Former Supt. of Denver Mint, Republican National Committeewoman & Meade Co GOP Chair passes away

@SoDakCampaigns

A friend pointed out to me that South Dakota Republicans recently lost one of the most notable movers & shakers from the 70’s and 80’s; former Meade Co. GOP Chair Nora Hussey who had served as the Superintendent of the Denver Mint from 1981-1987, and the SDGOP’s National Committeewoman from 1972-1981:

Honora Lillian “Nora” Hussey was born March 26, 1915, in New York City to Michael and Lillian (Rosenberg) Walsh and died Nov. 8, 2020, in Rapid City, SD.

and..

President Ronald W. Reagan nominated Nora to be Superintendent of the Denver Mint, a position confirmed by the U. S. Senate in 1981 and she served in that position until 1987.

Meade County Republicans honored Nora in 2012 for her 50+ years of dedication and participation in the Republican Party. She was the first woman chairman of the Meade County Republicans from 1964 until 1972. From 1972 until 1981 she served as the Republican National Committeewoman from South Dakota. During that time, she was also the SD Chairman of the Reagan for President Committee and delegate to the Republican National Nominating Convention as well as a Presidential Elector. Although she was a pro at working the crowd with handshakes and discussion, she remained straightforward in expressing her beliefs and opinions.

Read Nora’s story here, and may she rest in peace.

Thank you for blazing a trail for South Dakota Republicans.

8 thoughts on “Former Supt. of Denver Mint, Republican National Committeewoman & Meade Co GOP Chair passes away”

  1. The SD GOP should do a better job of archiving historical info like this. It would be nice it the website included past GOP officials and a bio.

  3. Nora was a sweet, tough character. Not everybody was for Reagan at the beginning of that primary, but Nora solidly was.
    After he won, Nora proceeded to attempt to tell the US Senators (Pressler and Abdnor) who would get the federal patronage spots in our state. Abdnor stopped her, but truly a lady with no fear

  4. I served as the Reagan Youth representative on the Reagan Committee in 1980 (I was 19 years old). I’ll never forget when I met with Nora before she put me on the Committee. Her first words were: “I hear you supported Governor Reagan in 1976 (I was in TARS in 1976). Is that true?” After I confirmed that, she asked me why and I told her “I saw him on Firing Line and have been for him ever since.” It was most clear to me that day and observing the other members of the committee, she had one criteria of members- loyalty to Governor Reagan and his cause. She didn’t care of one’s connections, money to contribute, anything. Just loyalty.

    At least with regard to me, she was half-mother hen and half-dictator. Probably thinking as a college person I might have heterodox views, my spot was reserved right next to her. Of course she said it was so she could help me in the environment, I knew it was also to keep me from “making a mistake.” The piece above couldn’t capture her any better: She was always “straightforward in expressing her beliefs and opinions.” In spades and then some.

    Except for getting volunteers for lit drops or events from the colleges around the state, I was clearly the least valuable member by far of the committee. That said, Nora Hussey treated me with as much dignity and respect as she did those who were important to the committee. The last time I saw Nora, she treated me as if I was long-lost family as we hadn’t seen each other for over 10 years.

    I am ashamed to say it was at least 15 years since our last meeting and sometime ago I thought of her and assumed I’d missed her passing. I held Nora in the highest respect and affection.

    If Nora was your friend, you had a most loyal and loving friend. If Nora was not on your side, you had a most worth adversary but one whose honor is impeccable. In short, Nora was a blessing in your life either way.

    I remember once said the work of William Buckley in the 50’s laid the foundation for Ronald Reagan in the 1960’s, his election Governor of California and ultimately President of the United States. At the same time, there were thousands of heretofore little seen people whose quiet yet resolute admiration of Ronald Reagan’s vision built the House of Reagan. Nora Hussey was one of those builders.

    May the soul of Nora Hussey, by the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace.

  5. I met Nora years ago in Meade County. I will never forget what a magnificent person she was. Meeting Nora left a lifelong impression.

  6. I was ED of the party for part of the time Nora was Committeewoman. She was a hard drive but always an honest and true friend. I learned much from her and admired her strength and loyalty. A great lady and a great Republican.

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