Jocelyn Burdick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jocelyn Burdick
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| United States Senator from North Dakota |
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| In office September 12, 1992 – December 14, 1992 |
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| Appointed by | George Sinner |
| Preceded by | Quentin Burdick |
| Succeeded by | Kent Conrad |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jocelyn Louise Birch
February 6, 1922 Fargo, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | December 26, 2019 (aged 97) Fargo, North Dakota, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party |
| Spouses | |
| Education | Principia College Northwestern University (BA) |
Jocelyn Louise Burdick (born February 6, 1922 – died December 26, 2019) was an American politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party from North Dakota. In 1992, she briefly served as a United States Senator.
Jocelyn Burdick was the first woman from North Dakota to hold this important position. She was also the oldest living former U.S. Senator for the last eight months of her life, passing away at 97 years old.
Early Life and Education
Jocelyn Burdick was born in Fargo, North Dakota. Her mother was Magdalena Towers (Carpenter) and her father was Albert Birch.
She had some interesting family connections. Her great-grandmother was Matilda Joslyn Gage, who worked for women's right to vote (a suffragist) and to end slavery (an abolitionist). Jocelyn Burdick was also the great-niece, by marriage, of L. Frank Baum. He was the famous author who wrote The Wizard of Oz. Baum was married to her great-aunt, Maud Gage Baum, who was also an activist.
Jocelyn Burdick went to college at Principia College. She later studied at Northwestern University.
Early Career
After finishing her studies at Northwestern University, Jocelyn Burdick went back to Fargo. She worked as a radio announcer at KVOX radio.
She was very involved in public life, especially during her marriage to Quentin Burdick. In 1978, she was part of an official group from the U.S. that visited Russia. She also served as a trustee for the Lake Agassiz Arts Council. In the early 1980s, Burdick helped to start a group called "Democratic Women Plus."
Serving in the U.S. Senate
In September 1992, Jocelyn Burdick's husband, Senator Quentin Burdick, passed away. The Governor of North Dakota, George Sinner, chose Jocelyn Burdick to take her husband's place. She served until a special election could be held.
Jocelyn Burdick decided not to run for election to keep the seat. During her short time in office, she supported laws that aimed for fair pay and women's rights. After Kent Conrad took over the Senate seat in December 1992, Burdick went back to live in Fargo.
She made history as the first woman from North Dakota to serve in the U.S. Congress. She continued to be active in politics while living in Fargo. On April 6, 2019, she became the oldest living former U.S. Senator after Fritz Hollings passed away.
Personal Life
Jocelyn Burdick was a dedicated Christian Scientist. Her first husband was Kenneth Peterson. They had two children together. Kenneth Peterson died in 1958.
Two years later, she married Quentin Burdick. They had another son named Gage. Sadly, Gage died in 1978 due to an accident. Jocelyn Burdick passed away in Fargo on December 26, 2019, when she was 97 years old.
See also
