Lola Aiken, wife of the former Republican US senator and legendary Vermont governor, died in Montpelier Monday morning. She was 102. She and Aiken married in 1967. He retired from the Senate in 1974 and was succeeded there by Patrick Leahy.
Leahy sent this tribute of Lola Aiken: "Marcelle and I were sorry to learn of the passing of Lola Pierotti Aiken. Her great partnership with her husband, a former Governor and then a US Senator, is an important piece of the fabric of Vermont history. The daughter of a stonecutter, she never forgot her Vermont roots. She was well known for welcoming Vermonters whenever they stopped by his office in Washington to visit Senator Aiken – or, as she called him, “the Governor.” She was a close friend of my mother, Alba Zambon Leahy, and for a time 75 years ago these two Italian-American Vermonters worked together at National Life in Montpelier."
Lola Aiken is introduced at the start of the Legislative session in January 2013. Photo by VTDigger.org
Governor Peter Shumlin said in a statement: “Lola Aiken was a force of nature to the end, a woman who will be remembered for her huge smile, her political acumen, her century of endless energy, and her commitment to the state she loved. Her support and devotion to her husband, the late Senator George Aiken, was unwavering. Over the years, Lola built her own record of accomplishment on behalf of higher education, Home, Health and Hospice, and so much more. I will miss her as an advocate for many of the issues Vermonters care about, but I will also miss her as a neighbor from Putney and a friend. My heart goes out to the Aiken family.”
Shumlin, like George Aiken, was from Putney, where the Aikens returned to after his retirement. His first wife, Beatrice, died in 1966. Lola worked for Aiken in the Senate as his administrative assistant. She was originally from Montpelier.
Lieutenant Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement:
“Vermont lost a champion today. Lola Aiken died this morning at the age of 102, but her legacy of love for Vermont will live on. She served her State and her husband, the late Sen. George Aiken, and never failed to leave her mark. Lola didn’t always take credit for her successes, but she never stood by silently when the opportunity came to help another person.
“Lola was one of my strongest supporters when I first sought public office in 2000, and her support never wavered for 14 years. She reminded me that being one’s self is the best way to serve others. Nobody wants a perfect person, because we are all imperfect. Lola, your fiery spirit will be much missed. My heart goes out to your family, loved ones, and friends.”
Senator Bernie Sanders today issued the following statement: “Jane and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Lola Aiken. She and her husband were important partners in life, in politics and in their strong commitment to the state of Vermont."
Champlain College President President Donald J Laackman said: “We were saddened to learn of Lola Aiken’s passing today, but we also celebrate the long life and many accomplishments of this great friend of Champlain College. She was a one-of-a-kind woman who cared deeply about education in Vermont. Champlain College was only made better by her long association, leadership and guidance over the years.”
“Not only did she serve as a college trustee, but she was an advocate for Champlain's many student life programs and the Single Parents Program, which has been nationally recognized for supporting single parents as they juggle family and educational responsibilities,” recalled Shelley Richardson, former vice president of Advancement at Champlain. Aiken also helped with fundraising campaign efforts for the College over the years, she said, “Everyone always wanted to go on a campaign solicitation with Lola at their side because no one could ever say no to her,” Richardson added.
As a stateswoman and dedicated community servant, Aiken's energy and "we-can-do-it" attitude was legendary across Vermont. Aiken once told former Champlain College President Robert Skiff that she loved one of his sayings: "If you stand still, you lose ground." Many would agree that Lola Aiken has also lived by these words.
The circa 1885 Westervelt home, located on the corner of Maple and Summit Streets, was purchased by the College in 1981 for use as a residence hall and completely renovated in 2009 to become the home of the Core Division. It was renamed Lola Aiken Hall to honor Aiken’s longtime dedication to Champlain students and programs.