Maryland lawmaker’s wife dies ‘unexpectedly’

Rep. Andy Harris’s wife of more than three decades, Sylvia “Cookie” Harris, passed away Thursday, the Maryland Republican’s office said in a statement.

{mosads}”Sylvia ‘Cookie’ Harris, beloved wife of over 30 years to Congressman Andy Harris, devoted mother of five and grandmother to two, and devout Catholic, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, August 28,” the statement said. “The family is thankful for the thoughts and prayers that so many have offered already and appreciates privacy during this time.”

A Harris spokesman said the cause of death is currently unknown and that more information may be released later.

Andy Harris, a physician and former state senator, was elected in 2010 to represent Maryland’s 1st District, which includes parts of Baltimore County and the Eastern Shore. His wife, who was in her 50s, was involved with the Maryland Right to Life organization.

“She served as the Director of Special Events, working intimately to put together a successful annual banquet, biannual convention, and MDRTL’s participation in the Maryland State Fair, which continues through Labor Day,” the group said in a statement on its homepage. “She will be missed.”