– Missouri First Lady Jean Carnahan
– Former Missouri First Lady.
Former U.S. Senator and Missouri First Lady Jean Carnahan Passes Away at 90
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jean Carnahan, former U.S. Senator and Missouri First Lady, has sadly passed away at the age of 90. Her family made the announcement on Tuesday evening, revealing that she passed away after a brief illness.
In a statement, her family described her as a fearless trailblazer who lived a long and fulfilling life. They praised her for her brilliance, creativity, compassion, and dedication to her family and fellow Missourians.
Jean Carnahan, the widow of Governor Mel Carnahan, was appointed to the U.S. Senate seat that Mel won posthumously in 2000. This historic appointment made her the first woman to represent Missouri in the Senate.
Tragedy struck the Carnahan family on October 16, 2000, when Mel, their son Roger, and long-time aide Chris Sifford were killed in a plane crash while en route to a campaign event in southeast Missouri. Mel was elected to the Senate posthumously three weeks later, and Jean Carnahan was appointed by Acting Governor Roger Wilson to fill the seat left vacant by her husband’s untimely death. She served in the Senate from January 3, 2001, until November 25, 2002.
Jean Carnahan was born on December 20, 1933, in Washington, D.C. She grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Anacostia, where her father worked as a plumber and her mother as a hairdresser.
It was during their teenage years that Jean met her future husband Mel at a Sunday night youth group at a neighborhood Baptist church in Washington. The two tied the knot on June 12, 1954, and embarked on a journey of love and public service together.
A private family service will be held at Carson Hill Cemetery near Ellsinore, where Jean Carnahan will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband and son. The family is also planning a public celebration of her life in St. Louis, with further details to be announced at a later date.
As of now, the cause of Jean Carnahan’s death has not been disclosed.
Jean Carnahan will be remembered as a remarkable woman who broke barriers and dedicated her life to serving the people of Missouri. Her legacy will live on, inspiring future generations to follow in her footsteps and make a positive impact on their communities.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Carnahan family during this difficult time of loss.
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1. Former Missouri First Lady Jean Carnahan
2. Missouri First Lady Jean Carnahan dies.
