Madeline Cain, first woman mayor of Lakewood, dies at age 72

LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Madeline Cain, the first woman to serve as mayor of Lakewood, died Monday at the age of 72.

The city announced Cain’s death Monday on its website.

“I was saddened today to hear about the passing of former Mayor Madeline Cain, the first woman to serve in the role for the city of Lakewood,” current Mayor Meghan George said in a statement on the website. “I’ve known Madeline since I was a child, when she worked with my father on a number of local public issues and initiatives. I have many fond memories of Madeline and her kindness.”

Cain served as mayor from 1996 to 2003. She also served as a member of the Lakewood City Council and served three terms as a state representative, resigning in 1995 when she was elected mayor.

According to the Ohio Statehouse website, Cain was active in several political and civic organizations, including Lakewood Business and Professional Women, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Cudell Neighborhood Improvement Inc., West Boulevard Neighborhood Association, Citizen’s League of Greater Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Women’s Political Caucus, Lakewood Democratic Club, City Club, Cuyahoga County Democratic party, and the Ohio Women’s Policy and Research Commission.