Sunday, March 06, 2016

The Passing of Nancy Reagan

By Douglas V. Gibbs



We have lost the wife of one of the greatest Presidents of the United States in American history.  Nancy Reagan passed away this morning from congestive heart failure.

During Reagan's presidency, it amazed people to watch Nancy's infallible classiness, a woman who portrayed an image exactly what we imagined should come from a first lady - an elegance not seen in America since Jackie Kennedy.  Even more striking was her awe and respect for her husband.  She looked upon him with respect coupled with awe-inspired devotion.

Mrs. Reagan was born Anne Frances Robbins on July 6, 1921 in New York City.  She became an actress in the 1940s and 1950s, and in 1952 married Ronald Reagan.  At the time of their exchange of wedding vows, he was president of the Screen Actors Guild.  After the couple had two children together, Mr. Reagan began to pursue politics, becoming the Governor of California from 1967 to 1975.  During that time, Nancy began to work with the Foster Grandparents Program.

Ronald Reagan won the 1980 Presidential Election, and Nancy Reagan became First Lady of the United States when he was inaugurated in January 1981.  He served two terms as President, both with landslide elections.

While in the White House, Nancy sought to restore a Kennedy-esque glamour to the White House.  She replaced the White House china, under great criticism.  Nancy was also known for her fashion sense, and a certain air of elegance.

On the domestic front, Nancy Reagan founded the "Just Say No" drug awareness campaign.

After Reagan's presidency ended, Nancy devoted most of her time caring for her husband.  He was diagnosed in 1994 with Alzheimer's disease.  He died at age 93 in 2004. Nancy Reagan remained active within the Reagan Library and in politics, particularly in support of embryonic stem cell research.  She died at the age of 94 on March 6, 2016.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Nancy Reagan dies at 94 - The Hill

Nancy Reagan, Widow of Ronald Reagan, Dead at 94 - Fox News

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