One of Nevada’s most admired citizens and the 26th First Lady of Nevada, Bonnie Fairchild Bryan, passed away in Las Vegas today surrounded by her husband and family following a valiant battle with leukemia. She was 77.
Bryan family spokesman Greg Ferraro said, “I know I speak for many Nevadans who saw Bonnie as a splendid example of a First Lady and a superb role model for so many young people.
“A family favorite, Bonnie will be profoundly missed by her husband, her three children and their families, and her legion of friends.
“Her tireless work on behalf of our State won’t soon be forgotten. Married to Senator Bryan for 54 years, Bonnie, with her kindness and authentic warmth, left an indelible mark on the State she loved so much.”
Funeral services are pending.
Former Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said in a tweet: “Awful news on the passing of Bonnie Bryan. She made Nevada proud as our First Lady. My thoughts are with Sen. Bryan and his family.”
Gov. Brian Sandoval tweeted: “Bonnie Bryan epitomized elegance & strength of character with a passion for NV and devotion to her husband. My thoughts are with her family.”
Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Roberta Lange and Regent Sam Lieberman released the following joint statement: “Bonnie Bryan was a woman of valor who built a remarkable life focused on her family, her faith, and the citizens of Nevada. She was a champion for Senator Bryan and the issues he fought for, but she was also a strong and compassionate voice in her own right for our state and our party.”
BORN, MARRIED IN LODI
Bonnie Bryan was born in Lodi, California, on June 24, 1939. She met Richard Bryan while attending college at the University of Nevada, Reno.
The Bryans were married on Sept. 1, 1962, in Lodi.
Bonnie Bryan served as first lady in the Governor’s Mansion in Carson City from 1983 to 1989. She then spent much of her time in Washington, D.C., after Richard Bryan was elected to the Senate, where he served from 1989 to 2001.
In a 1993 story by then-Nevada Appeal City Editor Sue Morrow, Richard Bryan called Bonnie the “Rock of Gibraltar.”