Mourners Gather to Honor Legacy of Mia Love in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Family and friends of former U.S. Rep. Mia Love gathered Monday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion to celebrate her life after she passed away from brain cancer on March 23, 2025, at age 49. Love, who was the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, battled glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, following her diagnosis in 2022.

The memorial service attracted hundreds of mourners, who entered through a walkway adorned with American flags. Long tables displayed framed family photographs and floral arrangements of red and white. Love’s sister Cyndi Brito recounted cherished childhood memories, affirming Love’s exceptional talent and character.

“Sis, we will always, always look up to you,” Brito shared. She also read an excerpt from a speech her daughter delivered at a school assembly honoring Love’s legacy. “Mia Love played many roles and had many titles, but the most important role in the most important title that Mia Love played in my eyes was auntie,” she recalled.

Prior to the memorial, Utah state lawmakers and members of the public paid their respects at Love’s flag-covered coffin at the Utah Capitol. Love, born Ludmya Bourdeau, served as a representative for Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019, and was known for her commitment to her constituents and family.

She is survived by her husband, Jason Love, and their three children, Alessa, Abigale, and Peyton. In her final months, she fought against the tumor despite doctors estimating only a limited amount of time. Love’s perseverance lasted nearly three years after her initial diagnosis.

Her political journey began in 2003 when she won a seat on the city council in Saratoga Springs, Utah. By 2009, she became the first Black woman to serve as a mayor in Utah. Love gained national attention during the Republican National Convention in 2012 when her impactful speech led her to a narrow loss against the Democratic incumbent during her first congressional bid.

Two years later, in 2014, she successfully defeated a first-time candidate to win her congressional seat by approximately 7,500 votes. While Love did not deemphasize her race in her campaigns, her victory underscored a significant milestone as she challenged perceptions about diversity in politics within Utah’s predominantly white electorate.

Throughout her career, Love maintained a degree of independence from the mainstream Republican Party, especially during the Trump administration. She openly criticized Trump in 2018 for derogatory comments he made about immigrants from various nations, including Haiti.

As her political career evolved, Love’s initial rise as a potential GOP star was complicated by political dynamics, culminating in her loss during the 2018 midterm elections as Democrats surged in power.

The public memorial service concluded with an honor guard presentation, reflecting the respect and admiration many held for Love’s contributions to her community and the country. Her legacy as a trailblazer and advocate remains a touchstone for future leaders.