Nancy Reagan: Californians Remember First Lady of Grace and Steel

Grace, steel, and a political love story for the ages - California’s political leaders on the left and the right Sunday mourned the death of Nancy Reagan, the woman who redefined the role of the first lady.

Reagan, 94, died at her home in Bel Air of congestive heart failure.

America’s first lady through some of the tensest years of the Cold War, she was famed for her state dinners and known as her husband’s chief counselor and confidante. She continued to be a powerful influence in the Republican party even after her husband’s 2004 Alzheimer’s death.

Related:

• Nancy Reagan, Former First Lady, Dies at 94
• Nancy Reagan Remembered as 'Loyal', 'Influential'

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., who succeeded Reagan as Governor in 1975, issued a brief statement offering his condolences to the Reagan family.

“Nancy Reagan lived a remarkable life and will be remembered for her strength and grace,” he said. “On behalf of all Californians, Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the Reagan family.”

California Senate Republican Leader Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) called on Americans to remember legacy of duty and commitment.

"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,” noted Fuller. “Both shared an amazing sense of duty to our nation and led with humility and dignity during a time when our nation was in turmoil. I have profound admiration for Mrs. Reagan. We should never forget her legacy.”

Some of the most influential women in California politics shared their admiration for Reagan, recognizing her role in shaping public policy on everything from Alzheimer research to the war on drugs.

"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," said U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.

"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,” noted U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from San Francisco. “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.''

Still others remembered Reagan for famous grace and devotion to her husband.

"Nancy Reagan was known to the nation as one of the most graceful, elegant, loyal, and honorable First Ladies in U.S history. But what really inspired me as a young conservative was the love story of Ronald and Nancy, and how she was by his side at every important moment, and played a positive influence in the White House to protect her husband’s interests, for the good of the country,” recalled Harmeet K. Dhillon, Vice Chairman, California Republican Party. “In this increasingly coarse and fractured political world, Nancy Reagan stands out as a timeless example of how love can make a good man stronger, and our nation owes a debt of thanks to her for sharing President Reagan with us for eight years. May they rest in peace, united together again for eternity."

Leaders from around the state tweeted their memories of the former first lady:

Photo: Wikimedia Commons; City News Service contributed to this report.