Prominent Louisiana Figures Who Passed Away in 2013

Louisiana lost some prominent people in 2013.

The first woman elected to Congress in Louisiana, former U.S. Representative Lindy Boggs, died July 27th at age 97. LSU Media Professor Bob Mann tells Louisiana Radio Network that Boggs was a "true Steel Magnolia." He says Boggs devoted herself to making strides for women in public life.

"One of those people who had an amazing capacity for hospitality," Mann says. "She was a gracious lady, but she was also a fierce, fierce defender of Louisiana and her district in New Orleans."

In February, Louisiana lost Paul McIlhenny at the age of 68.  He was the CEO of the McIlhenny Company, which makes Tabasco products. McIlhenny was know for his fight to protect Louisiana's coast through the America's Wetland Foundation.

We also lost LSU legend Paul Deitzel, who coached the Tigers to their first national championship in 1958. Also in February, Judge Frank Polozola died. He presided over former Governor Edwin Edwards' corruption trial.

And famed Cajun artist George Rodrigue, best known for his "Blue Dog" painting, died in December. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne calls Rodrigue a "truly iconic Louisianan."

"You think of Louis Armstrong when it comes to music, and you think of the legends that have come out of Louisiana in the cultural world, and George is at the top of the list," Dardenne says.