The widow of former Vermont Sen. George Aiken died Monday at 102.
Lola Aiken was a fixture in Montpelier after the death of her husband in 1984. A resident of the Gary Home, she could often be seen holding forth and discussing the news of the day at the Coffee Corner diner at State and Main streets.
Lola Pierotti was born in Montpelier and was valedictorian of her class at Montpelier High School. She soon went to work in the Secretary of State’s Office, where she became acquainted with Rep. George Aiken of Putney, according to her obituary posted by the Montpelier funeral home Guare and Sons/Barber and Lanier.
When George Aiken died in 1984, Lola Aiken returned to Montpelier and remained active in the community.
According to the obituary, she served on the Boards of the George D. Aiken Lecture Series, Champlain College, Old Rockingham Meeting House Association, Friends of the State House, Vermont Historical Society, Judicial Conduct Board of the Vermont Supreme Court, University of Vermont School of Natural Resources, President Calvin Coolidge Foundation Advisory Board, Honorary Chair for Central Vermont Home, Health and Hospice Capital Campaign, and NECI Scholarships. She also received Dr. of Laws from the University of Vermont, Dr. of Laws from Champlain College, Outstanding Service Medallion from Board of Fellows, Norwich University, and the first Grace Coolidge award.
She is survived by three nephews — Doug Robie and wife Margie Torrey of Underhill, Scott Robie and wife Ellen of Naples, Florida, and Lee Robie and wife Penny of Loveland, Ohio, and many grandnephews and grandnieces as well as the stepchildren and family members of the Aiken family. Lola was predeceased by her sisters Rosina Pierotti and Ollie Robie.
Following burial in Putney next to the “Governor,” as she always called her husband, a Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 15, at St. Augustine’s Church in Montpelier.
In lieu of flowers, Aiken requested that she be remembered with the prayer of one’s choice.
Vermont officials reacted to Lola Aiken’s death:
Gov. Peter Shumlin
“Lola Aiken was a force of nature to the end, a woman who will be remembered for her huge smile, her political acumen, her century of endless energy, and her commitment to the state she loved. Her support and devotion to her husband, the late Sen. George Aiken, was unwavering. Over the years, Lola built her own record of accomplishment on behalf of higher education, Home, Health and Hospice, and so much more. I will miss her as an advocate for many of the issues Vermonters care about, but I will also miss her as a neighbor from Putney and a friend. My heart goes out to the Aiken family.”
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
“Marcelle and I were sorry to learn of the passing of Lola Pierotti Aiken. Her great partnership with her husband, a former Governor and then a U.S. Senator, is an important piece of the fabric of Vermont history. The daughter of a stonecutter, she never forgot her Vermont roots. She was well known for welcoming Vermonters whenever they stopped by his office in Washington to visit Senator Aiken – or, as she called him, “the Governor.” She was a close friend of my mother, Alba Zambon Leahy, and for a time 75 years ago these two Italian-American Vermonters worked together at National Life in Montpelier.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
“Jane and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Lola Aiken. She and her husband were important partners in life, in politics and in their strong commitment to the state of Vermont.”
Lt. Gov. Phil Scott
“Vermont lost a champion today. Lola Aiken died this morning at the age of 102, but her legacy of love for Vermont will live on. She served her State and her husband, the late Sen. George Aiken, and never failed to leave her mark. Lola didn’t always take credit for her successes, but she never stood by silently when the opportunity came to help another person.
“Lola was one of my strongest supporters when I first sought public office in 2000, and her support never wavered for 14 years. She reminded me that being one’s self is the best way to serve others. Nobody wants a perfect person, because we are all imperfect. Lola, your fiery spirit will be much missed. My heart goes out to your family, loved ones, and friends.”
