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SALT LAKE CITY — On Monday, family and friends will gather in Salt Lake City to celebrate the life and contributions of former U.S. Representative Mia Love, who passed away in March at the age of 49 due to brain cancer.
Love was a trailblazer as the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, representing Utah from 2015 until 2019. Born to Haitian immigrants, she became a symbol of diversity in American politics.
Her battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma started in 2022, following an extensive treatment regimen that included participation in a clinical trial for immunotherapy. Tragically, she passed away at her home in Saratoga Springs, Utah, shortly after her daughter shared the news that Love was not responding to ongoing treatments.
On Sunday evening, state legislators and community members paid their respects as Love’s coffin, draped in a flag, was displayed in the rotunda of the Utah Capitol. This gathering served as a tribute to her contributions and the impact she made during her time in office.
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion on the University of Utah campus, with an honor guard ceremony to follow.
Born Ludmya Bourdeau, Love made her entrance into public service in 2003 by winning a seat on the Saratoga Springs city council. She became the city’s first female mayor in 2009, demonstrating her commitment to breaking down barriers within local politics.
Her political journey included a noteworthy moment at the 2012 Republican National Convention, where a dynamic speech propelled her into the national spotlight. Following a narrow loss to a Democratic incumbent in a congressional race that year, Love successfully ran again in 2014, defeating a first-time candidate by approximately 7,500 votes.
While she did not prominently highlight her racial identity during her campaigns, Love recognized the significance of her victory in Utah, a state predominantly white, as a repudiation of those who doubted the electability of a Black, Republican, Mormon woman.
Initially viewed as a promising figure within the GOP, her influence waned with the rise of President Donald Trump. Love distanced herself from the former president, notably criticizing his derogatory remarks concerning immigrants from nations including Haiti and several African countries in 2018. Ultimately, she faced defeat in the midterm elections later that year amidst a Democratic wave.
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abcnews.go.com