Eileen Slocum dies at 92

CRANSTON, R.I. -- The woman described as "Newport's grand dowager" and leading Republican fundraiser has passed away.

Slocum died Sunday at Newport Hospital, according to her son, Jerry.

Eileen Slocum began raising money for the state GOP in the early 1960s and continued her fundraising efforts into this decade.

She regularly attended the Republican National Convention through the years, and she said earlier that she was looking forward to this year's convention as well.

Fellow Republican Don Carcieri released a statement Monday morning.

"Eileen was an extraordinary woman. She could share stories of her travels abroad with her husband John with as much ease as she could debate political ideals," Carcieri said. "She was the consummate hostess, sharing her knowledge of politics and public policy with all those she so graciously opened her home to."

Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch offered condolences to Slocum's family.

"Our state has lost a magnanimous political figure and tireless worker on behalf of the people of Rhode Island. Miss Slocum will certainly be missed by those who came to know her," Lynch said.

Slocum was 92.