Anja Miller, the first woman elected as Brisbane mayor and councilmember, has passed away. She was 92.
Miller died on Tuesday, “peacefully surrounded by loved ones,” according to a statement from the city.
She was elected to the Brisbane City Council in 1973 after members of the community encouraged her to run. Miller not only won a seat but she also received the most votes and was later chosen by fellow councilmembers to serve as Brisbane’s first female mayor.
City officials recalled Miller was known for bringing civility and thoughtful leadership to City Hall.
During her time in office, she secured a major federal grant that helped rebuild Brisbane’s streets and played a key role in the creation of San Bruno Mountain County and State Park.
Her influence reached beyond Brisbane. Miller was honored by the president of Finland with the Order of the Lion for her leadership in the Finnish American community. She also helped secure dual citizenship rights for Finns around the world, an accomplishment she considered one of her proudest achievements.
City officials said she helped open doors for women in local government and improved the lives of people locally and internationally.