Vivian Brown, who with identical twin Marian, became iconic figures on the streets of San Francisco for more than four decades has died after a lengthy illness, the San Francisco Coroner’s Office confirmed on Friday.

Brown, who would have turned 86 on Jan. 25, suffered from Alzheimer's and had a fall last year that further debilitated her.

The sisters had also fallen on hard times economically over the last few years and have been helped out by private donations and local charities.

The Browns were born eight minutes apart in Kalamazoo, Mich., but came to San Francisco to work as secretaries at different downtown department stores in 1970s.

They captured the eye of legendary San Francisco Chronicle columnist Herb Caen and became well known for strolling in city’s Union Square shopping district, wearing bright identical outfits and sporting meticulously coiffed hair.

They became so well-known that they were featured in advertising campaigns and their image graced the pages of local newspapers and the society scene often.

Mayor Ed Lee issued the following statement regarding the death of the San Francisco icon:

"San Francisco is heart broken by the sudden passing of Vivian Brown, a truly remarkable woman who represented the best of our City. Vivian and her identical twin sister Mirian could often be spotted together roaming San Francisco neighborhoods in identical attire, bringing smiles to residents and visitors alike. We were fortunate to have called her a true friend of our City. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mirian and their friends at this time of mourning."

There was no immediate word on a memorial service.