The pioneering senator supported many women who followed in her footsteps, including her granddaughter, who now works for the city that Ms. Feinstein once led.
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Eileen Mariano said her grandmother had advised her to “work to your long suit,” “earn your spurs,” to keep trying no matter the setbacks and to “always pack a black pantsuit.”
The president and vice president of the United States. Democratic leaders of the House and the Senate. Her boss, the mayor of San Francisco.
All of them spoke before Eileen Mariano took the stage on Thursday at the memorial service for her grandmother, Senator Dianne Feinstein. But it was left to Ms. Mariano, who followed Ms. Feinstein into public service and is now a policy adviser for Mayor London Breed, to give perhaps the most moving, heartfelt tribute to her grandmother’s legacy.
Ms. Feinstein will be remembered for saving cable cars in San Francisco, Ms. Mariano said, and leading the charge for a 1994 ban on assault weapons nationally, as well as her pivotal role in breaking barriers for women in politics.
But for Ms. Mariano, her legacy is far simpler: “To me, she will be remembered as the most incredible grandmother.”
Ms. Mariano lovingly recalled childhood memories with Ms. Feinstein, playing chess during sleepovers and picking flowers from the garden. They would end days together curled up on the couch, enjoying TV or movies. At bedtime, Ms. Mariano said, her grandmother would always sing “You Are My Sunshine.”
“She was an unwavering support system,” Ms. Mariano said. “She never failed to tell me how proud she was of me.”
Like many other women who followed the path that Ms. Feinstein blazed into politics, Ms. Mariano received important advice from her grandmother: Earn your spurs. Work hard. Do something to make the world a better place.
And, most critically: “Always pack a black pantsuit.”
Colbi Edmonds writes about the environment, education and infrastructure. More about Colbi Edmonds
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Source: nytimes.com
