Manchester Political Power house Judy Reardon died on Friday at the age of 64. Let’s see more details about Judy Reardon and his cause of death in detail.
Who was Judy Reardon?
Reardon was born on Feb. 12, 1958, to Patrick and Viola, a couple who married as young adults while working at the R.G. Sullivan Cigar Factory on Pleasant Street. The family settled into a modest house at the corner of Summer and Dearborn Streets on the East Side.
She was most recognized for her career-long contributions to Manchester and New Hampshire politics, especially for her time spent serving as Jeanne Shaheen’s chief counsel and political advisor (D-NH). Reardon was, however, Reardon’s younger sister, explorer, and State Representative Patty Cornell’s (D-Manchester) friend.
The sisters’ future involvement in the community was foreordained early on because their mother represented Ward 5 for more than 20 years on the Manchester Board of School Committee. Their father was a World War II veteran who later worked as a firefighter.
Judy’s Career Journey
Reardon’s first position was as a hostess at Mr. Steak, which was situated on the corner of Auburn and Elm. Reardon attended Dartmouth College after Central High School in 1976. she served as managing editor of the student newspaper and eventually received a B.A. in economics. Later, she enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where she graduated with a J.D.
In 1983, Reardon joined the prominent Manchester law firm of McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, which was founded by the grandfather of U.S. Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH-02).
It was there that Reardon practiced law for five years while simultaneously serving two terms as a State Representative, appointed Democratic Whip in her second term. In 1988, Reardon held a senior position on Paul McEachern’s campaign for governor and later went on to work on the 2004 campaigns of John Lynch for Governor and John Kerry for President.
Judy hired as a Legal Counsel
In 1989, Reardon left her post at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England to work as a public defender. Three years later, she was hired to fill the position of public affairs director. This was just the start of a lifetime’s worth of lobbying effort, both paid and unpaid.
Reardon was Shaheen’s legal advisor when she took the oath of office as New Hampshire’s first female governor in 1997. And Reardon relocated to Washington, D.C., after Shaheen was elected as the first female senator from New Hampshire in 2009. Reardon was eventually admitted into the Central High Hall of Fame in honor of her accomplishments.
How did Judy Reardon die?
On Friday, Manchester resident Judy Reardon passed away at the age of 64 after a long period of illness. Families and colleagues are posting condolence messages on social media for the demise of Judy Reardon.
Friends and Colleagues Posted on Social Media
“We weren’t political together. We did a lot of traveling,” said Cornell. The pair traveled the world, visiting places such as Africa, Iceland, and Italy, and visiting state parks in Utah. “We did a lot of fun things together. We were sisters, you know?”
Mike and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Judy Reardon. She was a fierce advocate, a brilliant strategist and a loyal friend. Judy was a dedicated member of the Manchester Water Commission and cherished the opportunity to protect one of our city’s best assets. pic.twitter.com/sIQaSpqhMe
— Mayor Joyce Craig (@MayorJoyceCraig) December 16, 2022
“Judy Reardon was a trailblazer and paved the way for women in NH politics and government,” Kuster wrote on Twitter following the news of Reardon’s passing. “Judy has been a dear friend for almost 40 years since we started our first jobs at the McLane Law Firm.”
Portsmouth Police Commission Chair Stefany Shaheen, daughter of Senator Shaheen, wrote on Facebook that Reardon “protected and cared for my mom,” showing immense strength under the pressure of public life. “She was as tough as they come,” she added.
U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) shared on social media that Reardon was “funny, brutally honest, and pushed those with political power to deliver real results,” adding that Reardon, “left an indelible mark not just on New Hampshire politics, but on the State of New Hampshire.”
Judy Reardon was a dear friend, a fierce advocate, and a leader and advisor who never shied away from fighting for what’s right. She was simply one of a kind, and I’ll miss her greatly. My heart goes out to Patty, Rik, and the entire family.
— Chris Pappas (@ChrisPappasNH) December 16, 2022
Hassan elaborated that Reardon was a passionate advocate for legislative policies that “expanded kindergarten to communities across the state, increased state funding to education, protected access to abortion, and expanded the rights of LGBTQ individuals, just to name a few.”
Few people have had an impact on my life, personally & professionally, as much as Judy Reardon. From the NH State Senate, to the Governor’s office and to the U.S. Senate, Judy filled numerous roles on my staff. But most importantly, she was my confidante & dear friend.
— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) December 16, 2022
“The women of New Hampshire have lost one of their greatest champions,” wrote State Representative David Cote (D-Nashua) in a statement issued by the New Hampshire House Democratic Caucus. “She never abandoned a cause or a friend.”
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Judy Reardon. Judy and I often disagreed, but you would have to have been blind to miss her passion and care for what she believed in. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. #nhpolitics https://t.co/Jh5AuvqJ8g
— Michael Biundo (@MichaelBiundo) December 16, 2022
Michael Biundo, New Hampshire GOP strategist and former Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump, wrote on Twitter, “Judy and I often disagreed, but you would have to have been blind to miss her passion and care for what she believed in.”
Judy Reardon was a determined, treasured friend and advisor who insisted that those of us in public life act with integrity and purpose.
Tom and I send our deepest condolences to her sister Patty, her brother-in-law Rik, and to the many friends that she leaves behind. pic.twitter.com/HK0lRf6rVT
— Sen. Maggie Hassan (@SenatorHassan) December 16, 2022
Keep Reading,
Nathan Apodaca AKA Doggface reportedly arrested, What happened? Explained
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to get instant notifications on the latest updates.