Maureen Reagan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maureen Reagan
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Reagan in 1995
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Maureen Elizabeth Reagan
January 4, 1941 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Died | August 8, 2001 (aged 60) Granite Bay, California, U.S.
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| Resting place | Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
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| Children | 1 |
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Maureen Elizabeth Reagan (born January 4, 1941 – died August 8, 2001) was an American political activist. She was the first child of U.S. President Ronald Reagan and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman. Her brother was Michael Reagan. She also had two half-siblings, Patti Davis and Ron Reagan, from her father's second marriage to Nancy Reagan.
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Early Life and Career
Maureen Reagan was born on January 4, 1941, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in Los Angeles. In 1958, she graduated from Marymount Secondary School in Tarrytown, New York. She also briefly attended Marymount University in Virginia.
Acting and Public Appearances
In her younger years, Maureen Reagan tried out an acting career. She appeared in a few films, including Kissin' Cousins (1964). In this movie, she acted alongside the famous singer and actor Elvis Presley. She also took part in the Miss Washington competition in 1959.
Maureen's parents had another daughter, Christine, who sadly passed away shortly after birth.
Political Involvement
Maureen Reagan was very active in politics. She was the first child of a U.S. President to be chosen as a co-chair of the Republican National Committee. This is a very important role within the Republican Party.
Running for Office
Maureen Reagan tried to get elected to political office twice, but she was not successful.
- In 1982, she ran for the United States Senate in California. Pete Wilson eventually won this election.
- In 1992, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's 36th congressional district.
Political Views
Even though she and her father, Ronald Reagan, were close, Maureen sometimes had different political opinions. For example, she believed that Oliver North should have faced a military trial for his actions.
Advocacy for Alzheimer's Disease
In 1994, Maureen Reagan's father, Ronald Reagan, announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. After this, Maureen became a strong advocate for people with Alzheimer's. She joined the board of directors for the Alzheimer's Association. She also became a spokesperson for the group, helping to raise awareness and support for research.
Towards the end of her life, Maureen was in the hospital for melanoma cancer. At one point, she was on a floor just below her father, who was also hospitalized after a fall.
Family Life
Maureen Reagan was married three times during her life.
- Her first marriage was to John Filippone, a policeman, in 1961. They divorced the next year.
- Her second marriage was to David G. Sills, a lawyer and Marine Corps officer, on February 28, 1964. They divorced in 1967.
- Her third marriage was to Dennis C. Revell on April 25, 1981. Dennis Revell is the CEO of a public relations firm.
Maureen and Dennis Revell adopted a daughter named Margaret "Rita" Mirembe Revell. Rita was born in Uganda. The Revells became Rita's guardians in 1994 and officially adopted her in 2001. A special law was passed to help with Rita's adoption because Maureen's health made it hard to complete all the paperwork in Uganda.
Later Years and Passing
Maureen Reagan passed away in Granite Bay, California, on August 8, 2001. She was 60 years old. Her death was caused by melanoma, a type of cancer. She is buried at Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Sacramento, California.
Maureen was a volunteer with actor David Hyde Pierce, known from the TV show Frasier, at the Alzheimer's Association. At her funeral on August 19, 2001, David Hyde Pierce spoke about Maureen. He shared how she faced her illness with strength. He said, "When she was given lemons, she did not make lemonade. She took the lemons, threw them back and said, 'Oh, no you don't.'" This shows her determined spirit.
See also
In Spanish: Maureen Reagan para niños
