Lila Sapinsley, a former Rhode Island state senator praised as a trailblazer for political women that state, died Dec. 9. She was 92.
She died at the Laurelmead Community retirement home in Providence, the Providence Journal reported, according to her son-in-law, former New York City schools chancellor Harold Levy.
Sapinsley rose to minority leader after her election to the state Senate in 1972. She was the first woman in the state to hold that position. Sapinsley was also a Constitutional Convention delegate and helped found the Community College of Rhode Island.
"For women like me who are in public life, she was a pioneer," said Gov.-elect Gina Raimondo, the state's general treasurer and recently elected Rhode Island's first female governor.
Outgoing Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee praised Sapinsley as a mentor and said she was an early key supporter of his father, former governor and U.S. Sen. John Chafee. "She was a courageous and intelligent public servant who cared deeply for many Rhode Island causes, particularly issues that had an effect on women," he said.
