First Woman to Represent Nevada in Congress Dead at 91

Barbara Vucanovich served seven terms

Barbara Vucanovich, who was the first woman to represent Nevada in Congress and went on to serve seven terms, died Monday after a short illness, family members said. She was 91.

The former congresswoman's daughter, Patty Cafferata, said Vucanovich died in Reno. She had broken her pelvis in February and never fully recovered, Cafferata said.

"Barbara Vucanovich enjoyed her years of service to the people of Nevada, and like other Nevadans we are immensely proud of all she accomplished," family members said in a statement. "We also know that while Barbara was deeply honored to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, her family always came first. Perhaps that is why she was so admired as a politician. We will miss her and we wish to extend our thanks to everyone for their support during this time of loss."