"With great sadness, we announce that former Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey died peacefully on March 15 at the age of 87, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and grandchildre

The New York Democrat sponsored more than 500 pieces of legislation and co-sponsored thousands more, with more than 400 becoming law, often by dint of her seniority and leadership positions.

Former Democratic New York Rep. Nita Lowey died on Saturday after a yearslong battle with breast cancer, according to a statement from the longtime lawmaker's family.

Longtime New York congresswoman Nita Lowey, 87, has died from metastatic breast cancer, her family announced Sunday.

A Democrat, she represented Westchester County for three decades and became the first woman to lead the powerful House Appropriations Committee.