*Updates thruout

The woman at the head of the Hahn political family, the widow of the late county Supervisor Kenneth Hahn and mother of former Mayor Jim Hahn and Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn, died today at the age of 86.

Ramona Hahn’s death comes on the eve of Janice Hahn’s congressional race against Republican Craig Huey.

Hahn was born in Tokyo on Oct. 5, 1924. She moved to America at the age of 11, and later attended Pepperdine University, where she met Kenneth Hahn. The two were married for almost 50 years, until Kenneth Hahn’s death in 1997.

In addition to her two children, Hahn is survived by five brothers, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services are pending.

In a joint statement, Jim and Janice Hahn said:

The daughter of missionaries, our mother lived her life devoted to God and her family.  She was, without a doubt, the driving force behind our entire family.  It was through her strength and support that our father, Kenny, became one of the most beloved leaders in Los Angeles’ history.

Our parents were a team, working together to raise their family and to improve the lives of those Kenny represented.  We have fond memories of our mother welcoming constituents into our home on Saturdays, sitting with them and our father, working to address their problems.  It was this constant concern for others that inspired both of us to pursue public service—for which she was constantly supportive. We know our parents are happy to be reunited in Heaven.

While Kenny worked 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to serve his constituents, it was our mother that kept our household running, made sure that we had everything we needed and held our family together.  Until her death, she continued to be the heart and soul of the Hahn family.

Continuing without her will be difficult.  We can only hope to honor her memory every day by how we live our lives and serve others

Statement from Controller Wendy Greuel:

My husband Dean and I send our thoughts and prayers to Councilwoman Janice Hahn, and to former Mayor Jim Hahn, their children, and the entire Hahn family on the passing of Ramona Hahn.  The last time I saw Ramona was less than two months ago at an event for Janice.  As she had done for decades, Ramona was there rooting on Janice and beaming with pride about her family’s devotion to public service.  For decades Ramona Hahn’s decency and goodness touched the lives of many and she will always be remembered for her strong beliefs, her compassion for others and for her dedication to her family and to the community.

Statement from John Shallman, senior campaign advisor for Janice Hahn for Congress:

On behalf of the campaign staff and thousands of loyal volunteers, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Hahn family. They are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.  We understand that Janice needs to be with her family, but the campaign will move forward–as her mother would have wanted.   Ramona was very proud of and always supportive of Janice.  She was looking forward to seeing her daughter sworn in as the next Congresswoman of the 36th District. We will work very hard to make that dream a reality.

First posted at 12:24 p.m.