The death of Nancy Reagan Sunday, at age 94, has elicited formal statements of mourning from Californians and other prominent Americans:
Gov. Jerry Brown: “Nancy Reagan lived a remarkable life and will be remembered for her strength and grace. On behalf of all Californians, Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the Reagan family.”
Stepson and radio talk show host Michael Reagan, of Seattle: “I am saddened by the passing of my step mother Nancy Reagan. She is once again with the man she loved. God Bless. Nancy is where she has always wanted to be, with her Ronnie. Now she is at peace.”
Former journalist Maria Shriver: “Sending love to Nancy Reagan’s family. She served our country and the state of California with class and moved the fight against Alzheimer’s into the light. May she rest in peace.
President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton: “Hillary and I were deeply saddened to learn of Nancy Reagan’s passing. Nancy was an extraordinary woman: a gracious First Lady, proud mother, and devoted wife to President Reagan, her Ronnie. Her strength of character was legendary, particularly when tested by the attempted assassination of the President, and throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s. She leaves a remarkable legacy of good that includes her tireless advocacy for Alzheimer’s research and the Foster Grandparent Program. We join all Americans in extending our prayers and condolences to her beloved children and her entire family during this difficult time.”
U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Democrat from the Coachella Valley: “My deepest condolences go to the Reagan family on the passing of Nancy Reagan. She set an example as a First Lady who truly stood on her own as a force. She made a lasting contribution to the fight against Alzheimer’s and her support of the Brady bill made the difference.”
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from San Francisco: “As First lady, Nancy Reagan worked tirelessly to combat drug abuse among the nation’s young people. Her ‘just say no’ campaign reached millions of students in the United States and abroad and made a difference in saving lives. She was also a strong advocate for gun safety laws, after nearly losing her husband to gun violence in 1981. The support of Nancy was critical to securing passage of the Brady Bill in 1993.”
Tricia Cox Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, daughters of former President Richard M. Nixon: “We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Nancy Reagan. Her love for her husband and our nation endeared her to people of all walks of life, while her crusade against drugs and dedication to bettering the lives of young people everywhere changed millions of lives. She was a constant source of support and strength for our parents and our family, and we remain grateful to her and President Reagan for their decades of friendship. We are comforted by the fact that Ron and Nancy are together again.”
The minority leader of the California Senate, Sen. Jean Fuller, from Bakersfield: “Today, the United States of America lost a true leader who was committed to her husband and her country. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan was a beacon of support and leadership for California’s former Governor and America’s 40th President, Ronald Reagan. I have profound admiration for Mrs. Reagan. We should never forget her legacy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family today.
Rep. Darrell Issa, a Republican congressman from northern San Diego County: “To meet Nancy Reagan was to witness her quiet dignity and personal resolve. To know her was to marvel at her tireless dedication and boundless love for her husband. There was no bigger champion of the man nor any fiercer protector of his memory than Nancy Reagan. They say great men are nothing more than the ones who helped them get there. With Nancy, there’s no question that her unyielding devotion helped her husband achieve all that he did. I am honored to have had her friendship and she will truly be missed.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich: “Nancy Reagan was a friend and role model who served her country as First Lady with grace and dignity. She was a vital partner when Ronald Reagan was Governor and later President. She always supported him without reservation as he lead our state and nation. She will be missed.”
–City News Service