Nita Lowey: A Legacy of Strength and Service
Nita Lowey, a trailblazing U.S. Representative from New York, passed away on Saturday at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to public service and a commitment to fighting for the rights of women, children, and families. Her family shared that she died peacefully at her home in Harrison, New York, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildren. Lowey’s death came after a brave battle with metastatic breast cancer, a fight she undertook with the same resolve and tenacity that defined her 32-year career in Congress. Her passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and constituents who remember her as a true public servant and a champion of justice.
A Trailblazer in Politics
Nita Lowey’s political journey was nothing short of remarkable. First elected to Congress in 1988, she went on to serve for over three decades, representing suburban communities north of New York City, including parts of Westchester County and the Hudson River Valley. Her leadership and dedication earned her a historic role as the first woman to chair the powerful House Appropriations Committee, a position she assumed in 2018. This milestone was not just a personal achievement but a testament to her tireless efforts to advocate for the causes she believed in. Lowey’s decision to retire in 2020, rather than seek reelection, marked the end of an era, but her impact on the political landscape remains unchanged.
A Fighter for Justice and Equality
Throughout her career, Nita Lowey was a relentless advocate for various causes that touched the lives of millions. She fought for federal funding to combat AIDS, supported economic aid to developing nations, and was a strong voice for women’s health care and education initiatives. One of her most notable achievements was leading the successful fight to provide contraception coverage to federal workers through their health insurance plans in the late 1990s, despite the Republican-controlled House. Her ability to work across the aisle and deliver results for her constituents and all Americans earned her the respect of her peers and the gratitude of her community. Lowey’s work was guided by the Jewish core value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), a principle that shaped her approach to public service.
A Legacy of Love and Strength
Nita Lowey’s passing has been met with heartfelt tributes from colleagues, friends, and those whose lives she touched. Connecticut U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who now serves as the ranking Democrat on the appropriations committee, remembered Lowey as a “fierce negotiator and loyal public servant” who was “courageous, humorous, and tenacious with a smile that lit up even the darkest rooms.” Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican who represents Lowey’s congressional district, praised her “bipartisan spirit, commitment to our community, and dedication to the country.” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins also shared his admiration for Lowey, calling her a “mentor, a friend, and always a beacon of hope.”
A Life of Purpose and Service
Lowey’s family has announced that a private funeral and burial will be held, followed by a memorial service at a later date. In their statement, they expressed their deep sorrow at her passing but also their gratitude for the full and purposeful life she lived. “We will miss her more than words can say,” they said, “and take great comfort in knowing that her memory will forever be a blessing to all who had the honor of knowing and loving her, and to the millions of people whose lives she touched.”
Remembering Nita Lowey
Nita Lowey’s life was a testament to the power of determination, compassion, and public service. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and a commitment to making the world a better place for all. Her work will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and public servants, ensuring that her memory lives on in the hearts of those she touched and the policies she championed. As the flags fly at half-staff in her honor, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible life of Nita Lowey—a woman who dedicated her life to repairing the world, one fight at a time.
