Joanne Siegel, the widow of Superman creator Jerry Siegel (both seen above at San Diego Comic Con, 1976) has died at the age of 93. Joanne was introduced to her future husband by his partner and Man of Steel co-creator Joe Shuster when still in her teens, after answering an advertisement looking for local Cleveland models in the late 1930s.

The sketches Shuster made of her became the basis for the original appearance of Lois Lane. [Right: Joe Shuster‘s original illustration of Lois Lane, inspired by Joanne Siegel]

The news of her death was posted on Twitter by writer and Siegel-expert Brad Meltzer and later confirmed by the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

“Just heard Joanne Siegel passed away, Lois Lane herself. One of the most beautiful people I ever met.”

“Still remember her telling me stories of Jerry Siegel and Joe. Big red cape will be at half mast tonight.”

Joanne Siegel is survived by her daughter, Laura Siegel Larson.