Former U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey Passes Away at 87

HARRISON—Former U.S. Rep. Nita Lowey, who faithfully served constituents in parts of Westchester, the Bronx and Rockland counties for 32 years, passed away on March 15 at her Westchester County home in Harrison at the age of 87.

The Democratic lawmaker, who was born in the Bronx and was a longtime resident of Harrison, was a champion of women’s rights, was a strong advocate on real estate issues and worked closely with the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors and its predecessor organizations throughout her political life.

Multiple published reports indicated Lowey passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Stephen Lowey; her children Dana, Jackie and Douglas; and eight grandchildren.

The Associated Press reported that the Lowey family in a statement, said: “We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort in knowing that she lived a full and purposeful life. A public servant in the truest sense, she was guided by the Jewish core value of ‘Tikkun Olam,’ repairing the world. She was an indefatigable fighter and worked across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents and all Americans.”

Born in 1937 in the Bronx, Lowey worked on Mario Cuomo’s 1974 campaign for lieutenant governor of New York. For 13 years she served as the assistant secretary of state in New York before running and winning a seat for the U.S. House of Representatives for New York’s 20th congressional district (now the 17th) in 1988.

During her tenure in Congress, Lowey sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills, including the International Violence Against Women Act, Protect Access to Birth Control Act, The Heroes Act and Further Continuing Appropriations Act.

In 2018, Lowey became the first chairwoman of the House Committee on Appropriations. She held several Caucus memberships, including the House Pro-Choice Caucus, Hudson River Caucus, Israel Allies Caucus, National Eating Disorders Awareness Caucus and Congressional Arts Caucus., until she left office in January 2021.

Accolades and tributes for Lowey’s decades of public service came from politicians and Realtors alike.

Richard Haggerty, OneKey MLS CEO and former CEO of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, said, “Congresswoman Lowey was a great friend to the Realtor family and was always willing to actively engage on issues vital to homeownership. She was one of our esteemed guests at the grand opening of the current HGAR headquarters at One Maple Avenue in Whtie Plains. with HGAR and its predecessor associations.”

Former WCBR and NYSAR President and Branch Manager, Howard Hanna | Rand Realty JP Endres said of U.S. Rep. Lowey, “Congresswoman Nita Lowey was an enormous presence and her dedication to her life of public service will greatly be missed. Her dedication and love of what she did is far greater than many will know. She was an advocate for housing, community and growth. She championed many efforts and programs from Fair housing initiatives, to affordable housing, funding for community redevelopment, advocating and supporting the Mortgage Interest deduction, and many programs benefiting homeowners and the American Dream. Her influence was far beyond her district and residents of Westchester. She was well respected and her opinions and positions carried weight within Congress. If there was a place she was asked to be, she was there unwavering. Her presence will greatly be missed.”

Fellow politicians, respected and revered Lowey. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “Congresswoman Lowey was the heart of the Hudson Valley and my friend of over 40 years. She was a trailblazer who ran the Appropriations Committee with amazing effectiveness. So many stand on her shoulders and her impact continues to resonate years after her retirement. Above all else though, Congresswoman Lowey was a kind-hearted person, always putting others first and caring for their well-being. Her work helped improve the lives of millions, especially in the Hudson Valley where she will forever remain a beloved institution. I will very much miss her.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who ordered flags to be flown at half-staff today (March 17) in Lowey’s honor, said: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, former Representative Nita Lowey. As a freshman member of Congress, Nita helped show me the ropes as I was learning how to navigate Washington. She was a tireless fighter for the State of New York and never stopped working to deliver for the people of Westchester and Rockland.”

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: “It is with a heavy heart that we remember Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a principled and passionate public servant whose impact will resonate for generations to come. Her remarkable career was defined by a steadfast commitment to her constituents and an unyielding fight for justice and equality. As the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Nita broke barriers and set a powerful example for future leaders.”

U.S. Rep. George Latimer: “She was the definition of an excellent public servant: smart, warm. Principled and fearless. For over 30 years, she represented our home area in Congress with grace and fortitude. Nita Lowey has passed away… but she will be forever remembered. And forever praised.”

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: “Westchester County mourns the passing of former U.S. Congresswoman Nita Lowey. She was a tireless advocate for our county, a mentor, a friend and always a beacon of hope. Serving as a U.S. Representative from 1989 until 2021, she championed integrity, honesty and the values of good government. Lowey made history as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee, leaving a legacy of breaking barriers and improving lives. Her commitment to public service will continue to inspire and guide us.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson: “Our borough mourns the loss of Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a trailblazer and pioneer who dedicated her life to public service. A Bronx native, Congresswoman Lowey carried the spirit of our community throughout her distinguished career, breaking barriers as the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee and a champion of education, healthcare, and working families. Her leadership and legacy will continue to inspire generations. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her remarkable work.”