Update: See statements from Janice Hahn's council office and campaign at the bottom.

On the eve of her election day bout for a South Bay Congressional seat, L.A. city Councilwoman Janice Hahn has learned that her mother Ramona has died at the age of 86, campaign staffers confirmed to the Los Angeles Times and City Maven.

Ramona Hahn was wife of late great county Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, and mother to Janice Hahn's brother, James Hahn, who served as a one-term mayor of L.A.

In the 36th congressional district race …

… Janice Hahn faces long-shot Tea Party Republican Craig Huey.

Added: Hahn's council office just issued a statement about Ramona Hahn's death, noting that she was born in Tokyo to missionary parents, and that she met Kenneth Hahn while attending Pepperdine University in Malibu.

The statement quotes James and Janice as saying jointly:

We are devastated to announce the death of our mother, Ramona Hahn. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother and wife. She passed this morning at the age of 86.

The daughter of missionaries, our mother lived her life devoted to God and her family. She was, without a doubt, the driving force behind our entire family. It was through her strength and support that our father, Kenny, became one of the most beloved leaders in Los Angeles' history.

Our parents were a team, working together to raise their family and to improve the lives of those Kenny represented. We have fond memories of our mother welcoming constituents into our home on Saturdays, sitting with them and our father, working to address their problems. It was this constant concern for others that inspired both of us to pursue public service–for which she was constantly supportive. We know our parents are happy to be reunited in Heaven.

While Kenny worked 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to serve his constituents, it was our mother that kept our household running, made sure that we had everything we needed and held our family together. Until her death, she continued to be the heart and soul of the Hahn family.

Continuing without her will be difficult. We can only hope to honor her memory every day by how we live our lives and serve others.

Update: John Shallman, Hahn's senior campaign advisor, issued this statement:

On behalf of the campaign staff and thousands of loyal volunteers, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Hahn family. They are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. We understand that Janice needs to be with her family, but the campaign will move forward–as her mother would have wanted. Ramona was very proud of and always supportive of Janice. She was looking forward to seeing her daughter sworn in as the next Congresswoman of the 36th District. We will work very hard to make that dream a reality.

Added: More reaction.

City Controller Wendy Greuel:

My husband Dean and I send our thoughts and prayers to Councilwoman Janice Hahn, and to former Mayor Jim Hahn, their children, and the entire Hahn family on the passing of Ramona Hahn. The last time I saw Ramona was less than two months ago at an event for Janice. As she had done for decades, Ramona was there rooting on Janice and beaming with pride about her family's devotion to public service. For decades Ramona Hahn's decency and goodness touched the lives of many and she will always be remembered for her strong beliefs, her compassion for others and for her dedication to her family and to the community.

California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton:

Democrats across California are saddened today by the news of Ramona Hahn's passing. Together with her husband, the great Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, and as mother to both former Los Angeles Mayor Jimmy Hahn and Congressional candidate Janice Hahn, Ramona and her family made positive contributions to civic life in Los Angeles and beyond. It is truly tragic that she came to pass less than a day before tomorrow's Congressional special election and will not see her daughter Janice elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

We send our condolences and extend our sympathy to the Hahn family.

Also, we're told Janice Hahn is not going to be making the campaign calls she was scheduled to make at 3:45 p.m. today.

First posted at 12:34 p.m. on July 11.

[@dennisjromero/djromero@laweekly.com]

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