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American politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
L. Jean Willoughby (née Kauffman; July 7, 1925 – April 18, 2015) was an American politician.
L. Jean Willoughby | |
---|---|
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 62nd district | |
In office January 1, 1981 – December 31, 1982 | |
Preceded by | Charlie James Harrison Jr. |
Succeeded by | Charlie James Harrison Jr. |
Personal details | |
Born | Peoria, Illinois | July 7, 1925
Died | April 18, 2015 89) Oro Valley, Arizona | (aged
Political party | Republican |
Alma mater | University of Detroit |
L. Jean Kauffman was born on July 7, 1925, in Peoria, Illinois, to parents Louis and Agnes Kauffman. Jean attended Academy of Our Lady. She became a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital, after which she met her husband, William A. Willoughby.[1] Jean and William married in 1949.[2] Together they had six children.[1] After having children, Jean went to college.[3] From the University of Detroit, she earned a BA in communications and an MA in political science.[1]
In 1980, Willoughby, residing in Bloomfield Hills, sought political office for the first time.[4] She ran as a Republican against the incumbent Democratic State Representative Charlie James Harrison Jr. of Pontiac, who had already served four-terms, in the 62nd district. David Kushma of the Detroit Free Press described Willoughby's victory on November 4 as the "biggest upset" of the 1980 state house elections.[5] Willoughby won by a slim margin of 346 votes. This was confirmed after a recount.[6]
As state representative, Willoughby continued the support of her Democratic predecessors for state subsidies for the Pontiac Silverdome. The stadium was within the boundaries of her district.[7] In 1981, she argued it was important for the state to continue its funding of the Silverdome as the 1982 Super Bowl was being hosted there, which would bring the state a profit.[8]
In 1982, the state house districts were re-drawn and Willoughby was in the new 65th district. Willoughby attempted re-election against incumbent Republican State Rep. Ruth McNamee of Birmingham in the primary election. Willoughby was ultimately defeated by McNamee.[9]
From 1983 to 1991, Willoughby worked as budget director for Oakland County.[2]
Willoughby was Roman Catholic.[1]
Willoughby retired to Horseshoe Bay, Texas. There, she volunteered as a guardian ad litem for Court Appointed Special Advocates. She later moved to Tucson, Arizona.[2] Willboughby died in her home in Oro Valley, Arizona, on April 18, 2015.[3]
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