MIFFLINBURG -- The former first lady's death hits close to home for a woman from our area. A woman from Mifflinburg served as an aide to Nancy Reagan for eight years.
Betsy Robertson of Mifflinburg has many memories of the former first lady. More than 30 years ago, when she was Betsy Koons, she worked on Ronald Reagan's campaign. When he was elected president, Robertson got a phone call from Nancy Reagan's press secretary.
"She was pulling together her staff and asked me if I would like to join her in the White House," Robertson said.
In 1981 Robertson became an aide for Nancy Reagan, helping to organize her public appearances. The former first lady's staff was made up of around 16 people. Robertson's office was on the second floor of the White House, with a view of Pennsylvania Avenue.
"So really my life really revolved around her life and her public schedule," Robertson said.
Robertson traveled with Nancy Reagan and sometimes with the president on Air Force One. But what was the former first lady like behind closed doors?
"Very nice, polite. She was not extremely outgoing. I respect her a great deal," Robertson said.
When Betsy found out about Mrs. Reagan's death it brought back a whirlwind of emotions, some happy and some sad.
"So many of my memories are wrapped up. It was only eight years, but still a lot went on in those eight years that were related to her and the president," Robertson said.
Robertson says her fondest memory of Nancy Reagan was when she reopened Liberty Island. She treasures the picture of her in the crown of the Statue of Liberty.
"There was just something that she and the president brought to the White House. The theme that kept running through my mind and my communications yesterday was it's the end of an era," Robertson said.
Betsy Robertson says the love between President Reagan and the first lady was real, and her first thought was, now the couple is together once again.