Voices

Many of the people who came to pay their last respects to Pat Nixon described her as a supportive and dignified First Lady who gave the nation fond memories.

“I came here from Peru 40 years ago and I saw (the Nixons) for the first time during the Rose Parade. I never forgot the way Mrs. Nixon looked, the way she smiled. I was always impressed with her, the way she carried herself. When he resigned, always, she stood behind him, letting him know she was there.”

Elsa Mercado, 75, Placentia

“She was a perfect lady and a perfect wife in every way: She knew how to keep still and when to make a statement, as to not upstage her husband. She was so dedicated that if (Richard Nixon) wanted to stand on his head, she would’ve been right there to support him--you don’t find that in a wife today.”

Gwen Becker, Sierra Madre

“I just remember that Mrs. Nixon epitomized the perfect First Lady. In her day and time, she aspired to be a very estimable First Lady, and that means being supportive of her husband 100%, through the good times and bad.”

Leslie Williams, 40, Mission Viejo

“From what I’ve read, she was a tremendous asset for (her husband) after he was forced to resign. She probably set the standard for a lot of First Ladies of today. I honestly don’t think that he would have made it through his fall without her support.”

Joe Hannebohn, 16, San Dimas

“Mrs. Nixon was a public figure that we don’t see much today. She had a certain charm, dignity, grace. For many people growing up in the ‘50s and ‘60s, she represented a mother figure.”

Richard Lenz, 43, Manhattan Beach

“She had so many problems in her life, so much sorrow along with the good things. She handled them all with grace. I empathize with her. I think most people do.”

Willie Rae Caswell, 82, Banning

“Pat Nixon had more class than most of the First Ladies in the White House. She was very important to the public perception of Richard Nixon when he ran (for President) in 1968. (With) that fine of a woman, (Richard Nixon) must be an OK guy. She and her daughters supported Mr. Nixon through his ordeal. That speaks a lot of what a family ought to be and reminds us of what we’ve lost.”

Alan Richardson, 46, Phoenix

“She was the only stability in Richard Nixon’s life. She gave us stability in a time when the country was in political turmoil. She supported her husband through a painful time, and the way I see it, that means she also supported us through a time when we were going through a lot of doubt.”

Joe Lettera, 63, San Diego