According to her family, Ellen Harding Casey passed away at the age of 91 on August 12.

Apparently, the former First Lady of Pennsylvania died in Scranton, Pennsylvania, after a brief illness.

She was the widow of former Governor of Pennsylvania Robert Casey Sr., who passed away back in the year 2000.

The news was announced by Ellen's son, Senator Bob Casey.

Statement released

"We are mourning the loss of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother," the statement from the family read. "She was the center of our family, and we are deeply saddened by this loss."

Ellen had been married to Robert Senior for almost 50 years before his passing in 200.

The couple had eight children together.

Current First Lady of Pennsylvania Lori Shapiro expressed her regret over the passing of First Lady Ellen Casey.

"On behalf of our entire family, Josh and I send our prayers and condolences to the Casey Family on the passing of First Lady Ellen Casey. Ellen was an ambassador for the Commonwealth and her beloved home of Scranton. Like Governor Casey, she made family, health, and children part of her life’s work. Her work to raise awareness around breast cancer, literacy, and so much more made the lives of countless Pennsylvanians better. We are grateful to Ellen for her dedication to the people of Pennsylvania. May her memory be a blessing for her family and all of us who benefited from her service."

Others speak out

Former Governor Tom Ridge was also saddened by the news:

"Michele and I have heavy hearts today at the news that Pennsylvania has lost former First Lady Ellen Casey," he began.

"When we first moved into the governor’s residence in January 1995, no one was more welcoming, open and gracious to our family than Ellen Casey. Her thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit during that period of transition helped us immensely, especially Michele, who as the new First Lady welcomed Ellen’s good counsel about setting up a home in Harrisburg."

"Her leadership and advocacy on behalf of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition has positively impacted the lives of countless women across the commonwealth. Her work in that area continues to this day," Ridge continued. "All of us so admired Ellen’s strength during former Governor Casey’s significant health challenges and the care and love she shared not only with her husband but her entire family. She was always there for Governor Casey and the family, a true matriarch in every sense of the word."

"Michele and I send our condolences to her son, Sen. Bob Casey, along with all of her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were blessed to have had Ellen in their lives, as we all were," Ridge concluded. "The legacy of selfless service demonstrated by Governor and Ellen Casey should serve as a model for all in public life to follow."