Ruthanne Lodato Honored by Alexandria Women's Commission

The Alexandria Commission for Women held its Salute to Women Awards Monday evening and among the women honored this year was the late Ruthanne Lodato who died after she was shot at her home Feb. 6 by an unknown intruder.

Lodato posthumously received the commission's Donna Bergheim Cultural Affairs Award. 

Lodato's husband, Norman, and daughter, Lucia, accepted the award.

“Music was truly her gift to the girls and young women of our Alexandria community,” said Lucia. “In the past several weeks, my family has heard from countless students near and far who took piano lessons from my mother at some point over the last 30-plus years.” State lawmakers also presented a resolution honoring Lodato to the family.

Ten women in all were recognized for their accomplishments in civic life and for the improvements they have brought about to the well-being of Alexandria women and girls. The awards are presented for achievement in private and governmental pursuits, including the arts, business, service to youth, public policy, health and safety, public service and civic leadership.

In addition to Lodato, others recognized Monday evening were the late Vola Lawson, former City Manager (recipient of  the Susan Lowell Butler Lifetime Achievement Award).

Also: Jen Walker (Marguerite Payez Award), Joyce Rawlings (Youth Community Services Award-Adult), Nancy Martinez (Youth Community Services Award--Youth), Joan Renner (Leadership in Business and Career Development Award), Jean Kelleher (Marian Van Landingham Legislation and Public Policy Award), Amy Creed (Making a Difference Award), Wendy Webb (Vola Lawson Award) and Cynthia Skinner (Rising Star Award).  All awardees were selected by an independent committee appointed by the Commission.

Read more about the recipients and their accomplishments here on the Salute to Women awards page.