Lyda Ann Thomas, the former Galveston mayor who became nationally known for her calm leadership during hurricanes Rita and Ike, died Wednesday. She was 80.
The cause of death was a rare form of cancer for which she had undergone treatment for three years.
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(9) comments
Thank you for letting us know. I am so sorry to hear this. She will be greatly missed.
She was a legend. A woman of substance.
I agree she was a legend and will be missed.
Mayors Lydia Ann Thomas and Bill White both served their respective cities well during and after Ike. She will be missed.
A woman who knew what she wanted and would go after it with steel resolve. Some thought her aloof but she had a very kind heart and truly cared for people. A smart politician and the savior of UTMB after Ike. It was her love for the island and its people that pushed her to go to extra ordinary lengths to ensure that UTMB stayed on the island. The lady will be missed--RIP Lydia Ann, you have earned the rest.
She will be missed...Godspeed Madam Mayor.
She was always so kind when I spoke with her. Never seemed in a rush to get away. Great listener.
She took control after the hurricane.
Galveston owes her a great debt.
We have lost a great leader. Please read my review of the book on Amazon and consider getting the book. Thanks, Marsha Wilson https://www.amazon.com/Matriarch-Mayor-Generations-Galvestons-Kempner/dp/1942945221/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492653284&sr=8-1&keywords=from+matriarch+to+mayor
I am honored to have known Lyda Ann. She is a great friend. I treated her as a doctor but regarded her as a friend and a hero for galveston. What a loss this is. No one can replace her style, attitude and absolute reverence for our island. She rode the storms without hesitation and remained calm throughout. We lost a true pioneer and we lost a savior flr this city. I hope others follow.
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