Watch CBS News

Longtime Phila. Councilwoman Joan Krajewski Dead at 79

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Longtime Philadelphia city councilwoman Joan Krajewski has died.

Krajewski represented the 6th Councilmanic District, in Northeast Philadelphia, from 1980 until 2012.

Known for her record of constituent service and her distinctive gravelly voice, Krajewski also served as a Democratic ward leader for more than three decades.

City Council president Darrell Clarke says she made every staffer feel important.

"She treated you like her children," he said today.  "She was always giving me an encouraging word, making sure that I understood the nuances of municipal government.  And then I get elected to the City Council of Philadelphia, and that nurturing continued."

Councilman Bobby Henon, who succeeded her in the 6th District, says he talked to her just last Friday:

"She taught me to go with your heart, add a little humor into your daily life to help you get through some stressful times and some of those big decisions that the city has."

Krajewski was 79.  She is survived by three sons.  Funeral services are pending.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.