Political pioneer and former Rep. Patricia Schroeder (D-CO) died Monday evening. She was 82. Her death follows complications from suffering a stroke.
The New York Times reported that Schroeder’s former press secretary, Andrea Camp, shared that the former representative suffered a stroke over the weekend and was admitted to a hospital in Celebration, Florida.
Schroeder was the first woman elected to represent Colorado in the House. She served an impressive 12 terms and was one of only 14 women in Congress during her tenure.
Elected in 1972, Schroeder was known for her pro-life position and vocal opposition to the Vietnam War.
The congresswoman helped America navigate equal rights struggles, the Vietnam War, the aftermath of Watergate, the energy crisis of the 70s and the economic turmoil of the 80s. She retired in 1996.
Before retiring, Schroeder was instrumental in pushing through the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. The measure expanded protections provided by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act she supported in 1978.
Schroeder was born on July 30, 1940 — her father was a pilot, and her mother was a public school teacher. She excelled in school, graduated from Harvard Law and married long-time friend James Schroeder in 1962.
State officials inducted Schroeder into Colorado’s Women’s Hall of Fame in 1985.
The former congresswoman is survived by her husband, daughter and son.
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