Pelosi Statement on the Passing of Rosalind ‘Roz’ Wyman

San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passing of former Los Angeles City Councilmember Rosalind "Roz" Wyman:

"Paul and I are heartbroken by the passing of our dear friend, a visionary leader of Los Angeles and godmother to the Democratic Party, Roz Wyman.

"Roz was a force of nature: breaking down barriers for women in California politics, while forging new ways to bring people together through politics, the arts, and baseball. She made history as the youngest person elected to the LA City Council – and just the second woman to ever hold that office. Her leadership helped draw her beloved Dodgers to Los Angeles – and my Giants to San Francisco – so that California families could experience the thrill of America's pastime. Through the arts, parks and the Coliseum Commission, she ensured millions of families could enjoy our State's many cultural wonders and make lifelong memories.

"Personally, it was a blessing to share a warm friendship with Roz for decades: bonding over our devotion to family, passion for politics and love of sports. We all took pride, joy and love in that.

"Roz, then-mayor Dianne Feinstein and I had the privilege of leading the 1984 Democratic National Convention in my hometown of San Francisco as our party nominated the first woman ever for Vice President of the United States.

"Generations of activists and elected officials respected Roz as a godmother of the the Democratic Party because she nurtured young people, mentored candidates and helped elect dozens of women to office. She took special pride in electing her dear friend, Dianne Feinstein, to the Senate. Roz had words of advice and wise counsel for everyone, from presidents to precinct workers. She cared deeply about our Democracy, about women's equality, and about opening parks, arts and public service to everyone.

"Roz's extraordinary life and legacy is immortalized with a beautiful plaque in the Coliseum's Memorial Court of Honor. Now, young girls for generations to come will see her likeness there among a pantheon of Los Angeles legends and know that, for them, the sky is the limit.

"Roz was devoted to her family: her beloved late husband Gene, her children Betty Lynn, Robert and Brad, her grandchildren Samantha, Eugene and Oliver whom she loved dearly. May it be a comfort to the entire Wyman family that so many in California and across the country mourn their loss during this sad time."