Former Congresswoman and Ambassador Lindy Boggs dies

Rep. Lindy Boggs, who filled her husband’s seat in the House of Representatives after his plane disappeared, died at the age of 97. Boggs went on to serve 18 years as an advocate for women and minorities after replacing her husband.

Cokie Roberts, one of Boggs’ three children, noted how remarkable her mother was. “She was able to accomplish a great deal for a great many people around the country and around the world, but doing it in an always gracious, always pleasant way that would serve as a great lesson for folks of today who think that the only way to operate is through confrontation and criticism.”

President Obama honored Boggs in a statement. “Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of Lindy Boggs. Her legacy as a champion of women’s and civil rights over her nine terms in office as the first woman elected to the United States Congress from Louisiana will continue to inspire generations to come,” Obama said Saturday.

Boggs was the first woman to represent Louisiana in Congress. Due to her longstanding relationships with lawmakers, the House Leadership created an extra seat for her on the Committee on Banking and Currency, where her husband had served.

Boggs became a huge advocate for equal rights for women and became the only white member of Congress representing a majority-black constituency after her district was redrawn in 1984. Boggs was also the first woman to preside over a national political convention, the 1976 Democratic National Convention that nominated Jimmy Carter.