Former state Rep. Dona Gale Irwin, a Democrat from Deming who served in the state House of Representatives for 18 years, died on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the age of 92.
No details about the cause of death were announced, but former colleagues and friends and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued statements about her passing through press releases and social media posts beginning Thursday afternoon.
Irwin represented House District 32, including Grant, Hidalgo and Luna counties, from 1999 to 2017, where she sat on the business and employment and the agriculture, water and wildlife committee in her final year of service, known for her support of her district’s farming and ranching sector.
The Silver City native came to the legislature with a varied background as a stay-at-home mother of two, later teaching at Columbus Elementary School and then working as a marketing officer at First New Mexico Bank. She served as a Luna County Commissioner from 1982 to 1986 and was elected to the statehouse in 1998, defeating Republican Rick Montoya.
She was also an active member of several Luna County community organizations including BorderBelles, an affiliate of the New Mexico CowBelles, promoting New Mexico’s beef industry.
Her death came three days after the passing of her legislative colleague and fellow Democrat, John Arthur Smith, who served in the state senate from 1989 until December 2020. Smith died on Monday, Oct. 7.
In a statement reacting to Irwin’s death, Lujan Grisham wrote, “I will always remember her as a stalwart advocate for New Mexico’s children, families, and rural communities. She was especially skilled at connecting our agricultural heritage with educational opportunities, especially through her work with the Cooperative Extension Service. Dona understood the vital connection between agriculture, our land-grant, university families, and programs like 4-H that support the next generation.”
The governor also noted Irwin’s advocacy for rural senior centers.
The House Democratic leadership issued a statement Thursday as well, writing, “Rep. Irwin poured her heart into her service and was renowned for her work ethic. Those of us who had the opportunity to serve alongside her in the Roundhouse were impressed by her dedication to addressing her constituents’ needs, no matter how big or small. Our hearts go out to her son Craig, her daughter Janet, her grandchildren, her entire family, and all those who knew and loved her.”
