Longtime Nassau County Legislator, Activist Judy Jacobs Dies
WOODBURY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Judith Jacobs, a longtime activist and political force in Nassau County, has died at the age of 77.
As WCBS 880 Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported, Democratic officials said Jacobs died Tuesday night after falling and hitting her head at her home in Woodbury.
Her family said she had been feeling weak from anemia, and was recently diagnosed with a bone marrow disorder and a form of cancer.
Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said the lives of all Nassau County residents are better because of Jacobs.
"At times she's a community activist, at a times she was legislator to the presiding officer," Abrahams said. "People grew up with her. People have gotten better lives because of her policies that she's implemented."
A former schoolteacher, the 11-term Democrat is probably best known for her commitment to children, education and families, Abrahams said. He said Jacobs leaves a huge void.
"I don't know how you fill those shoes," Abrahams said. "This legislator is going to be very tough."