NITA LOWEY

LOWEY--Nita Melnikoff. With great sadness, we announce that former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey died peacefully on March 15, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by her husband, children, and grandchildren in her home in Harrison, NY. Nita had quietly and bravely battled metastatic breast cancer in recent years with the same tenacity and strength that she fought throughout her 32-year career in Congress for women, children and families in the U.S. and around the world. Nita was a beloved wife, partner, and best friend to her cherished husband of 64 years, Stephen Lowey, who survives her. An adored Mother to Dana Lowey Luttway (David), Jackie Lowey (David Kuperschmid) and Douglas Lowey (Ellen) and devoted and beloved grandmother to Jillian, Daniel, Jonah, Jesse, Ilan, Rebecca, Jonathan, and Solene. Nita's family was central to her life as she was to all of ours. We will miss her more than words can say and take great comfort in knowing that she lived a full and purposeful life. A public servant in the truest sense of the word, she was guided by the Jewish core value of "Tikkun Olam," repairing the world. She was an indefatigable fighter and worked across the aisle to deliver results for her constituents and all Americans. She served on the House Appropriations Committee for 28 years, where she was elevated by her colleagues to serve as Chair. She sponsored life- changing legislation in the fields of education, medical research, and international relations. Nita Melnikoff Lowey was born on July 5th, 1937 to Jack Melnikoff and Beatrice Fleischer. She was raised on Walton Avenue in the Bronx and attended the Bronx High School of Science and Mount Holyoke College. She and Stephen were married on March 12, 1961, and raised their children in Holliswood, New York, where Nita was elected PTA President at PS. 178Q. She returned to work in 1975 serving with Mario Cuomo in the office of New York Secretary of State. The Loweys moved to Harrison, New York in 1982. By 1984 Nita had risen to become Assistant Secretary of State. A Democrat, she first ran for Congress in 1988 from Westchester County and narrowly defeated the Republican incumbent. Nita was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Richard Melnikoff and sister-in-law Lydia Lowey Auslander. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all who had the honor of knowing and loving her, and the millions of lives she touched. Donations can be made in Nita's honor to The American Jewish Committee or to the Nita and Stephen Lowey Scholarship Fund at the Westchester Community College Foundation. A Memorial service honoring Nita's extraordinary life will be scheduled for April 10, 2025, at a venue to be announced.