Southland Mourns Passing Of Former First Lady Nancy Reagan
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — As an actress, former First Lady of the state and the union, Nancy Reagan left a big imprint on California.
Learning about her death, many of her fans went to the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley to leave flowers and pay their respects.
Elaine Steele -- a Las Vegas resident -- ad roses in hand instead of her tickets for the library.
"I really loved the Nancy and Ronnie era of the White House," Steele said.
Today, visitors were turned away – as the library prepares for the only service for Mrs. Reagan.
She will be laid to rest next to the 40th President at the library.
Born July 6th, 1921 – Nancy Davis later appeared in 11 movie – but quit show business after marrying Ronald Reagan.
They had two children together: Patricia and Ronald Junior.
On January 20, 1981 – Nancy Reagan stood by her husband's side as he took the oath of office.
As First Lady, she received numerous awards for her leadership role in the "Just Say No" Anti-drug campaign.
In 1987 – she publicly battled breast cancer.
The Reagans left the White House ouse in 1989 – to live in Southern California.
After the President revealed he suffered from Alzheimer's disease in the mid-90s – it was Mrs. Reagan who made big decisions on the presidential library.
"She helps us decide what speakers should come out here. She helps us get the presidential debates," said Melissa Giller, spokesperson for the library.
" I think it's a place where people will come because Nancy Reagan was loved," said Obed Velez of Simi Valley.
Who can forget these touching images of Mrs. Reagan saying goodbye to the love her life? -- the man she affectionately called Ronnie. Lovingly weeping over his casket.
It's their romance that anyone visiting the library can easily fall in love with.
"You'll just stand there in the library and cry when you read the letters that they wrote to each other that are on display," sayd Teresa Romine=Korman, a library member.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a statement Sunday on Reagan's passing.
"We join with the rest of the nation in mourning the passing of Nancy Reagan, a great Angeleno and a great American. She was a woman of tremendous tenacity and principle, who enriched this and many other communities with her work on Alzheimer's disease, her compassion for disadvantaged kids through the Foster Grandparent Program, and her unflagging support for wounded Vietnam war veterans and former prisoners of war.
This city was where Nancy and her beloved Ronnie first met and where they chose to retire from the White House. We salute the many accomplishments of her long life, and offer our deepest condolences to her children and grandchildren."
