Ramona Hahn, the matriarch of one of Los Angeles County's most prominent political families, died Monday at the age of 86.
Hahn was married for 49 years to the late Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, who died in 1997. They had two children, former Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn and City Councilwoman Janice Hahn.
"We are devastated to announce the death of our mother, Ramona Hahn. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and wife,'' her son and daughter said in a joint statement. "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.''
Her unexpected passing came the day before a runoff election that will determine whether her daughter is elected to Congress in the 36th District.
"We understand that Janice needs to be with her family, but the campaign will move forward as her mother would have wanted,'' campaign senior adviser John Shallman said.
"Ramona was very proud of and always supportive of Janice,'' he said. "She was looking forward to seeing her daughter sworn in as the next congresswoman of the 36th District. We will work very hard to make that dream a reality.''
The Hahn family's involvement in politics goes back to 1947, when Kenneth was elected to the City Council. He served until 1953, when he was elected to the Board of Supervisors, where he served for 40 years. His brother Gordon won the 8th District council seat in 1953, and served for 10 years.
James Hahn held all three citywide elected offices: mayor, city attorney and city controller. He was mayor from 2001-2005.
Ramona Hahn was born to missionaries living in Japan in 1924, where she lived until age 11.
She was a devout member of the Church of Christ and attended church in Redondo Beach.
"Ramona was the chief supporter of her husband, Kenny, and his main source of strength and direction throughout his long and prolific life in public service,'' Supervisor Mike Antonovich said.
"She was a strong, kind and compassionate woman devoted to her family and her faith.''
The California Democratic Party issued a statement praising her contributions to the state's political landscape, noting that "Ramona and her family made positive contributions to civic life in Los Angeles and beyond.''
Funeral services were pending.
