On June 6, 64-year-old Lesley Brown – who took the help of in vitro fertilization technique way back in 1978, to become the mother of the world’s first “test tube baby” – passed away at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, England. She died of complications due to gallbladder infection; and her death was not reported widely as first.

Lesley gave birth to Louise Brown – the first “test tube baby” in the world – on July 25, 1978, after undergoing infertility treatment at the Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridge, where gynaecologist Dr. Patrick Steptoe and biologist Robert G. Edwards had developed the in vitro fertilization technique which led to Leslie’s conception.

The birth of Louise was quite a sensational event worldwide; sending across a ray of hope to millions of couples who were not able to have children. Ever since then, over four million babies all over the world have been born through the in vitro fertilization procedure.

Lesley, who lost her husband in 2007, is survived by her two daughters and three grandchildren.

Shattered by her mother’s death, Louise - a shy and modest woman, though with a bravery and resolve which changed history – said that she was extremely close to her mother, especially after her father died of lung cancer five years back.

Revealing that the last few weeks, when her mother was undergoing treatment for the gallbladder infection, had been “the worst of my life,” Louise said: “I don’t think Mum’s death has really hit me yet.”