Democratic political giant Mary Louise Hancock has died at 97.
Hancock was the first woman from Concord elected to the state Senate in 1975. She was also the first female state planning director in the country. As her political connections grew, her house became a regular stop for Democrats running for President.
Former New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch says Hancock was a close family friend for over 40 years. His family visited her every Christmas and he says she even named his second daughter, Julia.
“I don’t think anybody will replace Mary Louise Hancock. I think she’ll be a void in the state, a void in the country and a void in our hearts,” Lynch said in a phone interview.
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen called Hancock "a role model for me and so many other women." When she was governor, Shaheen declared July 5th Mary Louise Hancock Day.
Hancock passed away Monday morning at her home in Concord. A service will be held for her on Saturday, 4 p.m., at the city’s Unitarian Church.