Ex-Legislator Shepherd, 80, RIP

Former longtime state Rep. Mary Lou Shepherd, D-Prichard, has passed away at age 80. She represented North Idaho’s Silver Valley, and during her final years in office was the only Democrat among North Idaho’s increasingly GOP-dominated legislative delegation. Shepherd served in the House from 2000 to 2010, before she was defeated by GOP Rep. Shannon McMillan. A retired restaurant/tavern owner, Shepherd was known for departing from her fellow party members in the House to cast votes she said reflected the views of her district – often polling and keeping track of her constituents’ input via their calls and emails/ Betsy Russell , Eye on Boise. More here.

Mike Kennedy: My condolences to the family and friends of former state Representative Mary Lou Shepherd, who died on Wednesday. … Mary Lou was kind, soft-spoken, and tenacious. I hope her family was able to spend at least part of their Thanksgiving remembering her life of hard work and diligence in the midst of the sadness of their loss.

Thoughts?