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Ramona Hahn, the mother of Councilwoman Janice Hahn and Superior Court Judge James Hahn, the former mayor of Los Angeles, died today. Mrs. Hahn lived in San Pedro. She was the wife of Kenneth Hahn, who was elected to the City Council from South Los Angeles in 1947 and became a county supervisor five years later. Kenneth Hahn remained on the board for 40 years. James Hahn was city controller and city attorney before he become mayor in 2001. Kenneth Hahn's older brother, Gordon, also served on the City Council and in the state Assembly.
Janice Hahn, a Democrat, is on Tuesday's ballot in the 36th congressional district special election against Republican Craig Huey.
Update: Statements from Janice and James Hahn, and from the California Democratic Party, after the jump. Services are pending.
Janice and Jim:
The daughter of missionaries, our mother lived her life devoted to God and her family. She was, without a doubt, the driving force behind our entire family. It was through her strength and support that our father, Kenny, became one of the most beloved leaders in Los Angeles’ history.Our parents were a team, working together to raise their family and to improve the lives of those Kenny represented. We have fond memories of our mother welcoming constituents into our home on Saturdays, sitting with them and our father, working to address their problems. It was this constant concern for others that inspired both of us to pursue public service—for which she was constantly supportive. We know our parents are happy to be reunited in Heaven.
While Kenny worked 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to serve his constituents, it was our mother that kept our household running, made sure that we had everything we needed and held our family together. Until her death, she continued to be the heart and soul of the Hahn family.
Continuing without her will be difficult. We can only hope to honor her memory every day by how we live our lives and serve others.
From the state Democrats:
Democrats across California are saddened today by the news of Ramona Hahn’s passing. Together with her husband, the great Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, and as mother to both former Los Angeles Mayor Jimmy Hahn and Congressional candidate Janice Hahn, Ramona and her family made positive contributions to civic life in Los Angeles and beyond. It is truly tragic that she came to pass less than a day before tomorrow’s Congressional special election and will not see her daughter Janice elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. We send our condolences and extend our sympathy to the Hahn family.
City Controller Wendy Greuel, via City Maven:
My husband Dean and I send our thoughts and prayers to Councilwoman Janice Hahn, and to former Mayor Jim Hahn, their children, and the entire Hahn family on the passing of Ramona Hahn. The last time I saw Ramona was less than two months ago at an event for Janice. As she had done for decades, Ramona was there rooting on Janice and beaming with pride about her family’s devotion to public service. For decades Ramona Hahn’s decency and goodness touched the lives of many and she will always be remembered for her strong beliefs, her compassion for others and for her dedication to her family and to the community.