Former California lawmaker Lucy Killea has died at the age of 94.
Killea was elected to the San Diego City Council from 1978 to 1982, then to the California State Assembly from its 78th district from 1982 to 1989. Killea shocked the political establishment when she left the Democratic Party to become an independent. Her support for abortion rights led the Catholic Church to bar her from receiving communion and she was the first politician to be punished in such a way for her political views.
“The news of Lucy Killea’s passing is hard to believe and hard to accept,” said Sen. Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “She was a titan of public service in San Diego – at the top of the list of our most respected elected officials. She was strong, honest, funny, whip-smart, full of integrity and fearless. A role model for young women – including me – she was proud to have put a few cracks in the glass ceiling.
“I was honored to know Lucy, and San Diego and California are fortunate to have been served by a leader of her magnitude. Fueled by groundbreaking legislation on important issues such as water conservation, her legacy is still felt in the State Capitol.
“Godspeed to Lucy Killea.”
Assemblymember Todd Gloria who represents the 78th Assembly District of California and is a former San Diego City Councilmember said, “Today, San Diegans mourn the passing of one of our greatest public servants, former State Senator Lucy Killea. Lucy was an icon of courage and compassion in San Diego politics and served as a role model for both myself and so many others. She exhibited the strongest commitment to service in the public interest and representing the best in people. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy of independence and integrity in public service will always live on.”
Above video courtesy of the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame.
