NEW YORK (AP) — The former U.S. Representative Nita Lowey , a longtime Democratic representative from New York who became the first woman to lead the influential House Appropriations Committee, has passed away. She was 87 years old.
Lowey's family, in a statement shared According to the Westchester County Democratic Committee, she passed away on Saturday following a courageous battle against metastatic breast cancer. She tackled this illness with the same determination and resilience she displayed during her 32-year tenure in Congress, where she advocated fiercely for women, children, and families.
The family announced that she gently departed in her residence in Harrison, New York, amidst her husband, children, and grandchildren. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who previously worked alongside Lowey in Congress, directed that flags be lowered to half-mast from Sunday until Monday as a tribute to her former coworker.
“In every way a genuine public servant, she was inspired by the Jewish principle of 'Tikkun Olam,' mending the world,” stated her family’s announcement. “As an unwavering advocate, she collaborated with both parties to achieve outcomes for her constituents and all Americans.”
Lowey served areas located northeast of New York City, encompassing portions of Westchester County as well as the Hudson River Valley region.
In 1988, she won her seat in Congress and continued serving until deciding to step down instead of pursuing another term in 2020.
During her many years in the House, Lowey advocated for federal funds to fight AIDS and supported economic assistance to developing countries.
She championed women's healthcare and educational programs, and she was particularly instrumental in leading the effort to secure contraceptive coverage for federal employees through their federal health insurance plans during the late 1990s, even when the House was controlled by Republicans.
"Truthfully, having a job that I adore so deeply makes this an extremely tough decision," said Lowey, who took over as chair of the House Appropriations Committee in 2018. told The Associated Press Of her choice to step down, she said, "But I simply felt it was the right moment."
U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro from Connecticut, who currently serves as the ranking Democrat on the appropriations committee, remembered Lowey Sunday As a "formidable negotiator and dedicated public official," she was known for being “brave, witty, and persistent, accompanied by a grin capable of brightening the gloomiest spaces.”
She mentioned that Lowey was an unwavering champion across various crucial topics, including healthcare, environmental protection, after-school activities, and public broadcasting.
Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, who currently holds the seat previously occupied by Lowey, commended her for her "spirit of collaboration across party lines, devotion to our community, and steadfast service to the nation."
Ken Jenkins, the Westchester County Executive, stated that Lowey was a champion for integrity, honesty, and the principles of effective governance. He also mentioned that she served as both a mentor and a friend, and remained an enduring symbol of hope.
The family of Lowey announced that a private funeral and burial will take place first, to be succeeded by a memorial service at a future time.
The statement read, "We will cherish her beyond words because we know she led a rich and meaningful existence." It continued, "Her legacy will remain an endless source of inspiration for everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved her, as well as for the countless individuals whose lives were enriched by hers."
