Virginia Coates Chafee, Wife of Governor and Senator, Mother of Senator and Governor, Passes Away

Virginia Coates Chafee, Wife of Governor and Senator, Mother of Senator and Governor, Passes Away

The Chafee family announced Saturday the passing of Virginia Coates Chafee at 93. 

She was the wife of John Chafee — one of Rhode Island’s greatest statesmen and arguably the most pro-environment senator in the history of the chamber.

Her son -- Lincoln Chafee -- served as a United States Senator and Governor of Rhode Island.

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The matriarch of Chafee Political Legacy

John Chafee was elected Governor of Rhode Island at the age of 40 years old in 1962.

He then served as Secretary of the Navy and United States Senator — the life took the couple to live in the Washington, D.C. area for decades.

“The companion and confidant of a politician on the national stage, though never a public person herself, she kept well-informed on the questions of the day, formed her own opinions and expressed them well.  She had an unaffected way and a warm human touch that endeared her to those of all ages and stations in life,” the family said in a statement.

Mrs. Chafee was the mother of six children including Lincoln Chafee, the former U.S. Senator and Governor of Rhode Island. Today, he is a potential candidate for the Libertarian Party nomination for president.

“Mrs. Chafee was the backbone of the family — she was an absolute partner with the Senator. She never interfered, but you knew he listened to her advice and counsel. It is a great American story,” said Josh Fenton, CEO and co-founder of GoLocal and who served on John Chafee's staff from 1985 to 1989.

The couple lost one child in a horseback riding accident.

She is survived by her children, besides Lincoln, including Zechariah, Georgia, John Jr., and Quintin.

In addition, she was the aunt of Lisa Najeeb Halaby -- later Queen Noor of Jordan.

The funeral will be private.