Moment of silence held on House floor for former Utah congresswoman Mia Love

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s congressional representatives held a moment of silence Thursday on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor Mia Love, the former U.S. representative for Utah’s 4th congressional district.

Mia Love died on Sunday after a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. She was 49 years old.

Ahead of the moment of silence, Rep. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, described Love as a trailblazer, a fierce advocate, and a bright light in the lives of many.

“Our Utah communities mourn for the Love family. We pray that they find peace in Heavenly Father’s love and comfort, and solace for what Mia has meant to all of us,” Owens said.

Owens led the moment of silence with Utah Representatives Celeste Maloy, Blake Moore and Mike Kennedy at his side.

 

Mia Love made history in 2010 when she became Utah’s first Black mayor. She served as the mayor of Saratoga Springs, a small town in Utah County. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, her parents were immigrants of Haiti.

“Her legacy is one of faith, courage, love,” Owens said. “The highlight of her life, her husband Jason, all fitting for a woman whose name said it all.”

Love would make history again in 2014, by becoming the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress. She served in that role until 2018.

“She led with grace and conviction,” Owens said, “Never backing down from a challenge and always striving to make a difference to those she served.

Public services for Mia Love

 A public memorial service will be held the next day at the Institute of Religion on the University of Utah campus.

Love will lie in state at the Rotunda of the Utah Capitol on Sunday, April 6. The public is invited to attend a viewing from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

 A public service is scheduled for the following day, at the Institute of Religion on the University of Utah campus.