Former East Bay Congresswoman, Under Sec. Of State, Dies

Former U.S. Rep. Ellen Tauscher has died, according to a statement released by her family Tuesday morning.

Tauscher, who served an East Bay congressional district from 1997 to 2009, died while surrounded by family members.

A cause of death was not immediately released, but Tauscher had written on Facebook earlier this month that she was recovering from pneumonia as a complication from esophageal cancer surgery years ago.

The statement by the family noted Tauscher's long list of achievements, including being the youngest and one of the first women to hold a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, and founding the first national research service to help parents verify the background of child care workers.

"You can see Ellen's legacy in the lives made just that much better, that much safer, that much more secure in the East Bay, in California, in America, and across the world," the family's statement said.

Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement Tuesday, noting, “Jennifer and I were saddened to learn of the passing of one of California's finest public servants, Ellen Tauscher. For decades, Ellen tackled some of our most pressing challenges – from access to childcare to nuclear arms control – with grace and heart.

"She blazed trails in business and in the halls of Congress and she held her own at some of the world's toughest negotiating tables. We are grateful that Ellen brought those formidable talents to the University of California Board of Regents.

“California sends our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones and the many public servants she mentored and inspired. We will hold Ellen's memory close as we continue her work toward a more just and peaceful world.”

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, also issued a statement mourning the loss of her former congressional colleague.

"Ellen was brilliant, gracious and generous and always did her level best to lift up those around her," Feinstein said. "Ellen was a best friend and I'll never forget her."

Feinstein said Tauscher chaired her first two Senate campaigns before going on to serve for 12 years in her own East Bay seat in the House of Representatives.

Tauscher went on to spend three years as Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security and was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to the University of California Board of Regents.

"She remains an inspiration for all of us in Congress and I hope younger members will look to her as an example to emulate," Feinstein said.

According to an online profile, she has lived in both Pleasanton and Alamo.

More information on memorial services will be forthcoming, according to the family.

— Patch editor Bea Karnes and Bay City News contributed to this story

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