A sad day.....

[Katey Alpha Gam]

I'm afraid I am the bearer of sad tidings. Millie Jeffries, an Alpha Gam Distinguished Citizen and an icon of Democratic politics and womens issues entered into Chapter Grand today. She was an INCREDIBLE woman that we should all be so proud to have had in our sisterhood. I have had the oppurtunity several times to meet her and she was ALWAYS so energized and so cheery; it was contagious! She has been an inspiration to me and to so many Democratic women here in Michigan. She will certianly be missed. Below is the article from a Michigan Political News Briefing:

DEMOCRATIC PARTY ORGANIZER MILLIE JEFFREY DEAD AT 93
Mildred "Millie" Jeffrey, an icon of Democratic politics and activist for liberal causes beginning in her teenage years, died Wednesday at age 93.

Working largely behind the scenes, including being part of the team that helped secure the selection of Geraldine Ferraro as the nation's first woman candidate by a major party for vice president, Ms. Jeffrey held just one public office. She served from 1977-91 as a member of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.

A founder and chair of the National Women's Political Caucus, Ms. Jeffrey was active in developing support for other women candidates for elective office as well, including Governor Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing). Much of her work involved organizing, canvassing, consulting and fundraising.

Ms. Jeffrey received the U.S. Medal of Freedom in 2000 and is an inductee in the Michigan Women's Hall of fame. Cutting her activist teeth in socialist and integration movements while a student at the University of Minnesota, she began her professional political activities in the 1930s as an organizer for the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America in Philadelphia and was the first director of the United Auto Workers Women's Bureau in 1944. She retired from the UAW in 1976.

"To say Millie was an inspiration to me is a gross understatement," Ms. Granholm said. "Through her tireless work on labor, women's and social issues, Millie taught me that the best leadership is courageous, selfless and committed to improving the world."

Said Ms. Stabenow: "Millie Jeffrey is an icon in our state and nation in the struggle for civil rights, women's rights and workers rights. Millie's life epitomizes the principles by which we all strive to live our lives: justice, equality and compassion."

Ms. Jeffrey was preceded in death by her former husband Newman. She is survived by two children.

Ms. Jeffrey will be cremated; a celebration of her life will be held on a date to be announced. Donations in her name may be sent to either the Mildred Jeffrey Endowed Scholarship Fund or the Mildred Jeffrey Peace and Conflict Collection at Wayne State University.