Former Rep. Mae Dickinson Passes at 83

News came late Tuesday night that longtime State Representative Mae Dickinson passed away after fighting health issues.

Long before I knew anything about politics, I knew about Dickinson and the work she did on behalf of children in the Indiana General Assembly.

Dickinson was first elected to the Indiana House in 1992 and served there until 2007. She retired from the House as her 95th District seat went to John Bartlett.

Her work as a neighborhood activist and State Representative aside, Dickinson also had quite a collection of hats, and she seemed to never be seen with the same hat on twice.  It was her trademark.

She served long and well, and the tributes poured in.

Congressman André Carson:

Saddened to hear about the passing of former State Rep. Mae Dickinson. Mae was not only a friend, she was a leader, stateswoman and gift to our entire community. May God bless her family during this time.

City-County Council President Maggie Lewis:

I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of State Representative Mae Dickinson. For nearly 15 years, she served the people of Indianapolis’ 95th district with valor. Colossians 1:10 says, “Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.”

Representative Dickinson produced good fruit for the City of Indianapolis. Because of her profound commitment, our community has tougher domestic violence penalties and more extensive background checks for school corporations. On behalf of the City-County Council my deepest sympathy goes out to her family for their great loss.

There are many more personal reflections out there on social media. If you search her name, you’ll find stories of kindness and service.

Representative Mae Dickinson is gone at 83.
Source: Indy Democrat Blog