Helen Sommers, 84, Pioneering Washington Lawmaker

SEATTLE, WA - Former state representative Helen Sommers, age 84, died Tuesday at her home in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., her family has said.

Sommers, a Democrat, represented Seattle's 36th Legislativev District in the state House for 36 years. That district covers parts of Magnolia, Queen Anne, and Ballard. She first won election in 1972, and won 18 more until her retirement in 2008.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of former State Representative Helen Sommers, whom I was privileged to call a friend. For nearly four decades, she represented Seattle’s 36th District with great distinction and purpose as one of the great legislative leaders of her time," Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said in a statement. "She was a mentor to me as a new budget chair. She brought seriousness and a deep understanding of policy to her work on behalf of our community."

Sommers helped women run for elected office, and is credited with helping to building Washington's pension retirement system.

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