Joan Specter Philly councilperson, wife of Arlen Specter dies at 90 NBC10 Philadelphia [Video]

Joan Levy Specter, the renowned culinary expert-turned Philadelphia councilperson who was married to longtime U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, has died at 90.

Specter died Saturday, June 29, 2024, due to complications of dementia at her Haverford, Pennsylvania, home, according to her obituary.

In mourning Specter’s death, Philadelphia Council President Kenyatta Johnson recalled her as a “former city council member, advocate for the arts, and human rights champion.”

“I remember my aunt sharing with me the work of Councilmember Specter when I was fresh out of college,” Johnson wrote. “She spoke of how she was a woman of the people and how she helped thousands of people through constituent services but especially those in need.

“Married to the late Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, Joan Specter’s legacy was cemented as a renowned culinary expert, entrepreneur, and dedicated public servant.”

Specter moved from food to politics in 1979, winning election to City Council as a Republican …