Joan Specter, a former Philadelphia City Councilmember and the widow of longtime Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter, has passed away at the age of 90, reports the 6abc digital staff.

She reportedly died from complications of dementia.

Specter was known as an advocate for the arts and a human rights champion. She was also a renowned culinary expert and dedicated public servant.

During her 16 years of service on the Philadelphia City Council, from 1980 to 1996, Specter championed various non-partisan issues, such as daycare, housing, child nutrition, and anti-discrimination.

Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who released a statement confirming her death, learned of Specter’s work and impact long before he began his own career in public service.

“I remember my aunt sharing with me the work of Councilmember Specter when I was fresh out of college,” Johnson wrote in a statement. “She spoke of how she was a woman of the people and how she helped thousands of people through constituent services but especially those in need.”

Specter was married to her husband, Arlen, from 1952 until his death in 2012 at the age of 82. They are survived by their two sons.

Read more about the late Joan Specter and her lasting legacy in 6abc.

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