Appreciation of Ambassador Lindy Boggs

Dear fellow Ambassadors,

Those of us who knew Lindy were very fortunate indeed.  She was one of the classiest, dignified and most intelligent people I had the honor of knowing.  She served admirably as a wife, mother, grandmother, congressional member of Congress, and in her last career as Ambassador to the Vatican, a wonderful capstone to a unique career and celebrated family history. 

Lindy and I served together as Ambassadors during the Clinton Administration.  I laugh at the thought of her attending the State Department’s Ambassadorial school with me and the other newly confirmed Ambassadors; something she didn’t need and could have taught us a thing or two about. But there she was every day, trying to blend into the crowd with the rest of us, as we were awed by her presence, grace and wonderful humor.

Lindy’s children, Barbara, Cokie and Tom, and their spouses, Steve Roberts and Barbara Boggs, were notable and famous in their own rights, but most importantly, exemplified the best qualities that their mother, or mother-in-law, could bestow.  She is the matriarch of one of the truly great American families, and although we will miss Lindy greatly, her children and grandchildren continue the Claiborne/Boggs influence these great families have had on American history. 

With affection and admiration,

Ed Gabriel

Ambassador Edward M. Gabriel, Ret.

President and CEO

The Gabriel Company, LLC