A statement issued by Nancy Reagan’s office said members of the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects at the library prior to the funeral service.
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Late in life, Reagan earned praise for numerous very qualities that saw her savaged by critics during Ronald Reagan’s two White House terms from 1981-1989-her fierce protectiveness and outsized influence on the president.
Born in New York City, Nancy Reagan came to fame in the 1940s and 1950s during her acting career in Hollywood.
Her most publicized project as first lady was the “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign.
She also championed Alzheimer’s patients, raising millions of dollars for research and breaking with fellow conservative Republicans to advocate for stem cell studies. Many see her as the unpopular Ted’s greatest asset – even she admits that she is “warmer” than her husband.
“And we’re thankful that (Obama’s) making that something for all the U.S.to do”, she said. But we are equally confident that she has been re-united with her beloved “Ronnie”, and comforted that she lived such a full life, devoted not only to her husband but to the service of her country.
“He was lucky to have her, and I’m sure he would be the first to acknowledge that, so she will be missed”, he said.
In announcing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 1994, Reagan wrote, “I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience”.
She was 94 years old.
In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Reagan had asked that contributions be made to the Ronald Reagan Memorial Fund at www.reaganlibrary.com.
But Elmets said Nancy Reagan would be “shaking her head in disgust” at the lack of decorum and the vulgarity in the current campaign. They’ll remain at half-staff until she is buried.
Reagan, whose husband died in 2004, had appeared frail after suffering several falls in recent years.
Former California governor and action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger described her as “one of my heroes” who “served as first lady with unbelievable power, class and grace”.
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Flags across the country are flying at half-staff in memory of Mrs. Reagan.
