Nancy Reagan dies at 94; influential former first lady - latimes

Nancy Davis Reagan, the widow of President Reagan, whose steely will and fierce loyalty to her husband made her one of the most influential and controversial American first ladies, has died of congestive heart failure, her office said. She was 94.

The former actress entered the political spotlight when her husband was elected California governor in 1966. By the time he ascended to the Oval Office in 1981, she was a seasoned political wife, unafraid to take on perceived enemies, including White House Chief of Staff Donald Regan and several cabinet members.Ronald Reagan died in 2004.

As first lady, she worked for some causes of her own, most notably her “Just Say No” campaign warning the nation's youths about drug abuse. Her message was spread by other community-based organizations and was credited with raising national awareness of the problem.

An elegant dresser who often appeared on polls of the most admired women, Reagan boosted the American fashion industry by wearing designs by American couturiers, such as James Galanos and Oscar de la Renta. But her weakness for expensive clothing raised ethical and tax questions when she failed to report gifts of designer garments.

Her White House redecorating and restocking of china also raised eyebrows and contributed to a haughty image, while revelations that she had consulted an astrologer for advice after the 1981 assassination attempt on her husband made her look silly.

After her husband left office and disclosed that he had Alzheimer's disease, Reagan devoted herself to his care. She remained largely out of the public eye while waging a quiet lobbying effort to promote stem cell research. The research was opposed by President George W. Bush and other Republican leaders, despite its potential to produce cures for Alzheimer's and other debilitating disorders. President Obama lifted the restrictions shortly after taking office in 2009. - Read More 

Nancy Reagan dies at 94; influential former first lady

Timeline: The life of Nancy Reagan

Influential former first lady dies at 94