Sandy Allen spent her life overcoming the physical and social barriers that came with being the world's tallest woman.

Born with a tumor on her pituitary gland, she reached 7 feet, 7 1/4 inches. But on Wednesday, she lost her fight against illness at age 53.

Allen died just before 3 a.m. at Heritage House Convalescent Center, where she spent the last few years of her life. She will be buried in a custom-made casket that will occupy four burial plots.

Her remarkable height brought her ridicule, financial and health struggles, and unwanted stares, but Allen used her condition to teach others the importance of acceptance.