Pat Nixon

Thelma Catherine Patricia Ryan Nixon (March 16, 1912 – June 22, 1993) was the wife of Richard Nixon and First Lady of the United States from 1969-1974.

First Lady

Pat Nixon used her position as First Lady to encourage volunteer service. She invited hundreds of families to nondenominational Sunday services in the East Room. She instituted a series of performances by artists in varied American traditions--from opera to bluegrass. Mrs. Nixon took quiet pride in adding 600 paintings and antiques to the White House Collection.

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She had shared her husband's journeys abroad in his Vice Presidential years, and she continued the practice during his Presidency. Her travels included the historic visit to the People's Republic of China and the summit meetings in the Soviet Union. Her first solo official trip was to take relief supplies to earthquake victims in Peru. Later she visited Africa and South America with the unique diplomatic standing of Personal Representative of the President.

Related Topics:
People's Republic of China - Soviet Union - Peru - Africa - South America

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