US Congresswoman. A member of the Democratic Party, she served Illinois' 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 until 1997. Born Cardiss Hortense Robertson, she was raised in Detroit and attended Northwestern University. She held such occupations as secretary, accountant and auditor for Illinois' Department of Revenue, prior to launching her political career as a committeewoman in Chicago. Following the death of her husband US Congressman George Collins (whom was killed in a plane crash on December 8th, 1972), she was elected in 1973 during a special election to fill the vacancy. Her tenure in Congress was prioritized by her efforts to better women's health care and welfare causes and equality for women in collegiate athletics. She was a pioneer whom spearheaded coverage for mammograms under Medicare and was an advocate for making Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. From 1979 to 1981, she served as Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. She died from natural causes.
US Congresswoman. A member of the Democratic Party, she served Illinois' 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1973 until 1997. Born Cardiss Hortense Robertson, she was raised in Detroit and attended Northwestern University. She held such occupations as secretary, accountant and auditor for Illinois' Department of Revenue, prior to launching her political career as a committeewoman in Chicago. Following the death of her husband US Congressman George Collins (whom was killed in a plane crash on December 8th, 1972), she was elected in 1973 during a special election to fill the vacancy. Her tenure in Congress was prioritized by her efforts to better women's health care and welfare causes and equality for women in collegiate athletics. She was a pioneer whom spearheaded coverage for mammograms under Medicare and was an advocate for making Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. From 1979 to 1981, she served as Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. She died from natural causes.
Bio by: C.S.
Gravesite Details
Interred June 10, 2013
Family Members
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