Helen Delich Bentley, the colorful and cantankerous former Maryland congresswoman whose fierce advocacy for the port of Baltimore led to its being named in her honor, died Saturday. She was 92.
Read more about the Maryland icon here.
Here are some quotes and memories from notable Marylanders:
Sen. Barbara Mikulski:
"She fought for jobs and she fought for the little people and she always put people and their opportunity to earn a living over petty partisan politics. Helen was a fighter and she believed in constituent service and she took on bureaucracy and foreign governments to get jobs in our community."
Gov. Larry Hogan:
"The First Lady and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley, one of Maryland's most dedicated and respected leaders. She was a friend and I had come to value her wise counsel over the years. During a recent visit with her, I was inspired to see that the same spirit and determination that defined both her public and personal life was still very much present right up to the end.
"Congresswoman Bentley worked with tenacity, energy, and passion on behalf of her constituents, making her a rare breed in politics and a role model to public servants across Maryland. She was a trailblazer for women in media and government, a longtime champion for manufacturing, maritime issues, and the Port of Baltimore which proudly bears her name as an everlasting tribute to her achievements.
"Our deepest sympathies are with her family and friends as the First Lady and I, along with countless Marylanders, mourn the loss of a true leader for our great state. The legacy of Congresswoman Bentley will not soon be forgotten. We owe her a debt of gratitude for a lifetime of service on behalf of the state of Maryland. She will be missed."
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake:
"When I think of the great leaders that have championed for Baltimore, one of the first people I think of is Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley. Her passion for Baltimore was evident in her non-partisan efforts to foster strong business ties to usher in growth and prosperity for the City. Stoic, yet compassionate, she was a strong voice and advocate for Baltimore working in the best interest of the City. She is a stateswoman who exemplified strength and uncommon fortitude when faced with the sometime difficult task of getting the job done. She will be terribly missed, but her legacy will continue as an example of what leadership and compassion can accomplish when it is grounded in public service and a commitment to excellence."
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings:
"I send my thoughts and prayers to Helen's family and friends as they mourn her passing.
"I have known Helen Bentley for over 25 years. Helen was more than a great congresswoman, she was my mentor and close friend. Under her leadership, the port of Baltimore remained one of the best in the world, so when I became Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, she was the first person I turned to for guidance. She was a tremendous resource and selflessly assisted me in getting acclimated to the new role.
"She served on the board of the Maritime Industries Academy High School with me for nearly a decade, where she consistently demonstrated her commitment to ensuring that inner-city students received a meaningful education.
"I visited Helen several weeks ago and her last words to me were, 'Keep fighting for our children.' I will miss my friend dearly. I will miss her inspirational words and her guidance.
"Maryland and the nation have lost a true humanitarian."
Former Gov. Robert Ehrlich:
"Maryland has lost a champion...and heaven has gained a force to be reckoned with. In a generation of good ole boys politics, Helen Delich Bentley blazed the trail for unapologetic, strong women in public service. If you were a constituent in need, there was no better advocate. If you were on the wrong side of an issue, there was no tougher adversary. If you were an ambitious young green politician, there was no better mentor. Rest easy, Congresswoman."
Former Gov. Harry Hughes:
"Helen was a different political affiliation from me, but I had great respect for her. She was very effective in Congress and had a long successful life. She was very smart and had good sense. … It's a shame she wasn't a Democrat."
Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn:
"This is a tremendous loss for the Port of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. I am so fortunate to have developed a friendship with Helen. What she accomplished in her long life is nothing short of amazing. Helen spent her life breaking glass ceilings. Even in her later years, she never missed an opportunity to speak loudly for the Port. Thank you Helen for everything you did and for all your work to help make the Port of Baltimore one of the busiest ports in the country."