This article has been updated.
Patty Jennings, wife of Senate President Pro Tem Tim Jennings and a tireless advocate on behalf of those with disabilities and the uninsured, died Saturday after a long battle with breast cancer.
Jennings, who was director of the New Mexico Medical Insurance Pool, was 53.
Jennings’ family plans to hold a private service this week, and a public memorial is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Roswell Convention Center, according to The Associated Press. Gov. Bill Richardson says he will order that flags be lowered in memory of Jennings.
Here are some comments I gathered over the weekend about Jennings’ death:
“Patty was one of the most magnificent women I have ever known. She was kind, beautiful and smart. She was a good friend. Patty was a loving mother and she and Tim had a remarkable love for each other. She always gave back more than she ever took. I was so privileged to have been a small part of her life. This is a tragic loss.” – Sen. Mary Kay Papen, D-Las Cruces
“Patty Jennings was a tireless worker, in fact a servant, on behalf of so many people who had no voice before she began her work. She has helped thousands of people in our state, especially the developmentally disabled. Even when very ill, she would unhesitatingly stop and take time to answer questions and give advice and valuable guidance and help on anything she was asked about. She lived a remarkable life and made a remarkable difference.” – Sen. Rod Adair, R-Roswell
“I first met Patty Ikard in the early 80s when my neighbor, Owen Fairbanks, enlisted me to lobby the Legislature and its ‘Cowboy Coalition’ on behalf of kids like his son Adam, who had developmental disabilities. In the face of an economic downturn much like today’s, and conservative control of the Legislature, Patty and her important ally, Sen. Tim Jennings (they were not married then), Polly Arrango, and now Rep. Gail Chasey led a rag-tag bunch of advocates with little lobbying experience but lot of heart. This grassroots effort was victorious. It was unheard of. Patty’s savvy, energy and cool were an inspiration to me then — and now. Plus, how could she have such perfect hair?” – Sen. Dede Feldman, D-Albuquerque
“There has been tremendous pressure on Sen. Jennings during Mrs. Jennings’ illness, and he has handled the situation with grace and dignity. I think all in the Senate, political friends and foes alike, wish the senator the best during this trying time.” – Sen. Steve Fischmann, D-Las Cruces
“She was a beautiful and caring woman, and Santa Fe will be less so with her loss.” – Rep. Ken Martinez, D-Grants
“Even in Patty’s struggles, she showed us all how to live. She spent every day fighting for the health care needs of less fortunate New Mexicans, and helped lead our state in these important efforts. More amazing was the grace she effortlessly and continuously displayed through her sickness. I know her vision will live on. I feel privileged to have known Patty Jennings and to have worked with her. God bless Patty and her wonderful family.” – Rep. Jeff Steinborn, D-Las Cruces
Update, 10:15 a.m.
Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque, said this:
“Patty was a wonderful woman. I’ve known her for almost 20 years and can attest to her strength of character and her determination to make things better for those in our society who have the least.”