Former Democrat New York Rep. Nita Lowey has passed away at the age of 87 after a long and courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Her family announced her passing in a statement on Saturday, expressing their deep sadness at the loss of their beloved matriarch.
Lowey was a trailblazing politician who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 32 years, from 1989 to 2021. She was the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and her leadership and dedication to public service were an inspiration to many.
Born in the Bronx, Lowey graduated from Mount Holyoke College and Columbia University. She began her political career as a staffer for Senator Hubert Humphrey and later worked for the New York State Assembly. In 1978, she was elected to the Westchester County Board of Legislators, becoming the first woman to hold that position.
In 1988, Lowey ran for Congress and won, becoming the first woman to represent New York’s 20th Congressional District. Throughout her tenure, she was a fierce advocate for women’s rights, healthcare, and education. She also championed environmental issues, playing a key role in securing funding for the restoration of the Hudson River.
Lowey’s impact extended beyond her district and even beyond her party. She was known for her ability to work across the aisle and find common ground with her Republican colleagues. This earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle, with many calling her a role model for bipartisanship.
During her time in Congress, Lowey worked tirelessly to secure funding for her district and for the nation as a whole. She was instrumental in securing billions of dollars for education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects. She also played a crucial role in passing legislation to protect victims of domestic violence and to ban the use of cluster bombs.
Her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication to her constituents earned her the nickname “the Iron Lady of Congress.” Despite facing numerous challenges, including a tough battle with breast cancer, Lowey never wavered in her commitment to serving the people of New York.
In a statement, Lowey’s family described her as a “true fighter” who never gave up, even in the face of adversity. They also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the community, saying that it meant the world to Lowey.
Lowey’s passing is a great loss to New York and to the nation. Her legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched and the positive impact she made during her long and illustrious career.
In the words of Lowey herself, “We are all part of something bigger than ourselves – a community, a country, a world. And it is our duty to make it a better place for future generations.” She lived by these words and left a lasting impact on the world, making it a better place for all.
Former New York Rep. Nita Lowey will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders. She will be remembered as a true champion for the people, a dedicated public servant, and a role model for all. Rest in peace, Nita Lowey.
