Former U.S. Representative Nita Lowey has died at the age of 87, her family announced on March 15, The Hill reported.
Lowey was a trailblazer in American politics, celebrated for her leadership and advocacy on women's rights and health issues.
Lowey, who was a prominent figure in New York politics, died peacefully at her home in Harrison, New York. Her family was by her side during her final moments. "With great sadness, we announce that former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey died peacefully on March 15 at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren," said the family in a statement.
Lowey's career was marked by numerous firsts. She became the first woman to chair the influential House Appropriations Committee, a testament to her dedication and prowess. Her initial involvement with the Committee began in 1993, where she steadily rose through the ranks over the decades.
She achieved the position of ranking Democrat on the Committee in 2013. Her leadership and expertise were further recognized in 2019, when she became the chair after the Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives.
Lowey's extensive political career was complemented by her commitment to her family. She was married to Stephen Lowey for 64 years, and together they had three children. Her family described her as central to their lives and expressed their deep loss.
Elected to Congress in 1988 after serving as an assistant secretary of state in New York, Lowey quickly established herself as a defender of women's rights. Her efforts secured significant funding for breast cancer research, reflecting her enduring commitment to health issues.
Lowey, who was the first woman to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, leveraged her role to affect substantial change. Besides her health initiatives, she was also instrumental in advancing legislation for hurricane recovery and drunk driving laws.
The former representative had been living with metastatic breast cancer, a battle she fought bravely. Her advocacy work also extended into international relations, particularly focusing on U.S.-Israel relations through her foreign aid contributions.
The breadth of Lowey’s impact can be traced back to her dedicated service and leadership in key areas of policy and governance. The array of initiatives she championed serves as a lasting testament to her public service ethos.
As she announced her retirement from Congress in 2019, Lowey reflected on her lengthy career with gratitude and a sense of fulfillment. Her retirement marked the end of an era of impactful leadership in the House of Representatives.
Lowey left an indelible imprint on politics, driven by her desire to make tangible improvements in the lives of her constituents and beyond. Her work encompassed both domestic policy and international relations.
Nita Lowey’s family emphasized the significant role she played in their lives and her unwavering dedication to public service. "Nita’s family was central to her life as she was to all of ours," they stated, underscoring the personal and public legacy she leaves behind.
The loss of such a distinguished figure draws attention to the numerous contributions she made throughout her life in public service. The initiatives she spearheaded continue to benefit current and future generations.
