Her daughter Cecile is president of Planned Parenthood
Federation.
At the 1988 Democratic Convention she stole the show with her satirical
shots at George Bush, who was running for president. "Poor George. He was
born with a silver foot in his mouth," she said during her speech.
In 1980 she went public with her alcoholism, admitting that it had
contributed to the end of her 30-year marriage. She credited Alcoholics
Anonymous with helping her get sober.
Launched her political career in her 40s, after marrying and having
four children. First won a seat on the Travis County Commission in
Austin in 1976. Was Texas state treasurer in the 1980s.