Governor Orders Flags Lowered In Legislator's Memory

Assemblywoman Sandra Lee Wirth lost a two-year battle with lung cancer over the weekend.

Wirth was known as the ?Citizen Legislator? and represented the 142nd New York State Assembly District. Her district included the Erie County Towns of Elma, Alden, Aurora, Akron, Clarence, Marilla, Newstead, Wales and the Village of East Aurora and the Town and City of Lockport and the Town of Royalton in Niagara County.

Wirth also served as an Erie County Legislator in 1991 and 1993.

In recognition of her service, Governor George Pataki Monday ordered state flags to be lowered to half staff on Thursday, the day Wirth will be buried.

In a statement, Pataki praised Wirth saying, "In spite of her illness, she remained committed to making people's lives better, working for lower taxes and greater protection for our families from violent predators. We are grateful for her service and for her commitment to the people of her district and New York."

A wake for Legislator Wirth will take place at the Hoy Funeral Home on Seneca Street in West Seneca, Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. A funeral mass is set for Thursday at 9 A.M. in 14 Holy Helpers Church on Indian Church Road.