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Chicago Remembers Former First Lady Nancy Reagan

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Former first lady Nancy Reagan had strong ties to Chicago.

Reagan died Sunday at the age of 94. She was adopted as a young girl by a Chicago physician, whose name she took, and she went to school at the Latin School of Chicago.

Mrs. Reagan visited the Latin School of Chicago in 1982. School officials say it is one of the fondest memories they have of her.

A few third graders had written a letter to her as part of a school assignment. Then a few months later, Mrs. Reagan showed up at the school to the surprise of many of the students.

She attended from 5th to 12th grade and graduated from the school in 1939.

Nancy Reagan, Latin School
(Credit: Latin School of Chicago)

Russell Lewis, the chief historian at the Chicago History Museum, says her early years in Chicago had a major influence in her life.

"She had a pretty amazing life as a young girl, quite a contrast from nomadic life that she had," Lewis says. "Living in of course a vibrant city and having a pretty affluent sort of lifestyle really put her in kind of a unique sort of position compared to a lot of people."

Mr. Lewis says the former first lady lived in Streeterville during the majority of her time in Chicago and even worked as a clerk at Marshall Fields on State Street.

Local politicians have been paying tribute to Nancy Reagan.

Senator Mark Kirk said in a statement, "We will miss her humble leadership, but Nancy Reagan's legacy remains in the impact she left on our nation."

Governor Bruce Rauner said, "As our nation's First Lady, Nancy Reagan will be remembered for her unwavering support of our country and as a pillar of strength to one of our nation's greatest presidents."

Rev. Jesse Jackson said in a statement, "I met with Mrs. Reagan at the White House in 1986 to discuss our respective efforts to fight drug abuse. I came away deeply impressed with her determination. Mrs. Reagan will be missed by her beloved country."

For additional coverage go to CBS News.

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