LOS ANGELES, Calif.–Ramona Hahn, the matriarch of one of Los Angeles County’s most prominent political families, died today 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.
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 are devastated to announce the death of our mother, Ramona Hahn.
She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and wife,” her children 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.”
The family’s involvement in politics goes back to 1947, when Kenneth Hahn 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.
