Nancy Reagan Dies at 94 | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Born Ann (Nancy) Francis Robbins in New York City, to an estranged father, she would later be adopted at age 14, by a stepfather who she adored, and, later, she would be known to her family, and as an actress on stage and in film, as Nancy Davis. Later, she would meet an older actor, Ronald Reagan, become married in a simple ceremony in 1952, became a mother of two children, Patti and Ron, and later first lady of the United States.

    Nancy Reagan, a strong woman of estimable power, with the constant ear of America's most popular and effective president in modern times, once stated, "My life never really began until I met Ronny." When her husband governed her nation wisely and well, she was behind the scenes, and her loving husband never forgot his muse. One must wonder: How much influence she brought to bear upon America's iconic presidency, well remembered and constantly studied for its broad success.

    Ronald Reagan, known as "The Great Communicator", who became immeasurably lovable by most of his nation, depended on the unbridled love of his wife, Nancy, to find that special place, where he coupled projected strength and an affable persona to achieve for his beloved nation, his oft stated, "Morning in America."

    A few months into President Reagan's first term, Nancy knew the abject fear of losing the man she adored to an assassin's bullet. Fortunately, for the nation, John Hinkley's attempt on the President's life on that side street off Connecticut Avenue at the Washington Hilton, the president survived the bullet lodged in his lung from Hinkley's low caliber handgun. From that day on, Nancy's prime objective was to keep Ronald Reagan safe, and, reportedly, employed an astrologer to plot President Reagan's itinerary in the days following the assassination attempt.

    Additionally, Nancy Reagan, who was so influential in Ronald Reagan's political life - two terms as a popular governor of California, and now as the president - helped forge policy as well by utilizing her very close relationship with loyal family friend, and then deputy chief of staff, Michael Deaver, who had the unfettered ear of Chief of Staff James Baker in Reagan's first term.

    When both Michael Deaver and James Baker left at the end of President Reagan's first term, it is considered by some that the First Lady lost some of her subtle influence with the policy of this President, but it wasn't long before new chief of staff was shown the door, and then President Reagan hired the former U.S. senator from Tennessee, Howard Baker, to the influential position of chief of staff, who helped guide President Reagan through the remnants of the Iran /Contra debacle.

    One can only wonder to what extent Nancy Reagan enhanced the presidency of her beloved Ronny, but it is believed by many that this reserved first lady did much to affect this great man, and well influenced his place in history as one of America's most beloved and effective presidents we will ever know. Most Republicans pray for the return of a leader that embodies the best of Ronald Reagan to guide this nation through these perilous times that certainly lie ahead. It may be a futile hope to champion if that future Reaganesque leader is not married to as loving a wife, and as powerful of a woman as First Lady Nancy Reagan.