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Pittsburgh remembers Sophie Masloff

PITTSBURGH — The city of Pittsburgh is remembering Mayor Sophie Masloff, who died Sunday in Mount Lebanon at the age of 96.

City and state officials are among those who are sharing their sentiments.

"Sophie Masloff personified Pittsburgh -- she was kind and approachable, but you dared not underestimate her," Mayor William Peduto said in a statement. "Like so many of those who built our city, she was self-made, the daughter of immigrants, and civic-minded -- she committed herself to public life for decades, rising from a teenage political leader to the top of Pittsburgh government as the city's first female mayor."

Peduto went on to call Masloff "a trailblazer camouflaged in grace and humor."

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald also issued a statement.

"I am saddened by the news of the passing of Sophie Masloff. She served this community for many years and in many ways. Her passion and love for Pittsburgh was exemplified in all she did. Coming out of the Great Depression, Sophie saw numerous changes in Pittsburgh. She was a part of many of these changes and was the leader that this community needed," said Fitzgerald.

Sen. Bob Casey said, "Sophie was a visionary and provided a strong foundation of leadership, which spearheaded the growth and success that we see today in the city of Pittsburgh."

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"Sophie Masloff was the quintessential daughter of Pittsburgh: an outspoken, direct and honest character who embraced her work with a sense of service and a spark of joy. This daughter of immigrants helped to shape the city's culture and persona, with a voice and flair that were unmistakably Sophie and essentially Pittsburgh," said Gov. Tom Corbett. "For a turbulent decade of economic and social change, she was exactly the right leader for the time, offering a steady hand and a forward-looking vision."

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Wolf said, "Sophie Masloff was a pioneer who helped usher in many positive changes in the city of Pittsburgh. As a longtime public servant, Sophie Masloff served the city in many capacities during her career, often putting her mark on the city's progress."

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As Pittsburgh continues to honor the life and career of Masloff, leave your condolence messages on the WPXI-TV Facebook page.

Post your condolences HERE.

WPXI will have LIVE coverage of Tuesday's funeral service on Channel 11 and wpxi.com.

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