Barbara “Bootsie” Mandel, Maryland’s former first lady who made news by refusing to leave the governor’s residence in Annapolis, when her husband, Gov. Marvin Mandel, announced he was divorcing her, died Monday at her home. She was 103.
Services are scheduled for noon Friday at Sol Levinson & Brothers at 8900 Reisterstown Road in Pikesville.
She rocked Maryland’s political scene after Gov. Mandel announced he was ending their 32-year marriage to wed Jeanne Blackistone Dorsey, a mother of four.
Mrs. Mandel steadfastly remained in her official residence, which she referred to as the Governor’s Mansion, until the divorce was finalized in 1974.
During this period, Gov. Mandel lived in an Annapolis apartment. The divorce was the first of his many issues. He was convicted in 1977, along with five other co-defendants, of mail fraud and racketeering. He served 18 months at Federal Prison Camp on the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. His sentence was commuted by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and his conviction was overturned in 1987.
Born Barbara Oberfeld and raised in Baltimore, she was known as “Bootsie” throughout her life. She attended Forest Park High School.
She married Marvin Mandel June 8, 1941.
Her daughter, Ellen Mandel Maltz, said, “My mother gave all of us courage, wisdom, insight and optimism.”
“Outgoing and energetic, she joined a sorority and enjoyed the social scene. Her social skills came in handy when it came time to campaign on her husband’s behalf, for she formed friendships easily where Marvin was often ill-at-ease,” said an official biography. “She enjoyed Maryland politics, studying the issues and keeping track of bills.”
“A great part of my life is politics,” Mrs. Mandel said in the biography. “I’ve always campaigned with Marvin, helping him to set up precincts and so forth.”
“I’ve enjoyed all the years my husband has been in the legislature,” she said. “I think women should be more active in politics. They should check each candidate’s record and go down to the legislature and read about the men who represent them.”
Mrs. Mandel preferred the term Governor’s Mansion because she said the official name, Government House, sounded “like a prison.” She ordered matchbooks embossed with the state seal and the words, “Governor’s Mansion.”
The biography said that in addition to studying the history of Government House and caring for it, Mrs. Mandel’s hobbies included golfing and bowling.
On her 100th birthday, Gov. Larry Hogan and his wife, Yumi, issued invitations to celebrate Mrs. Mandel. The event had to be canceled because of the pandemic.
She outlived Gov. Mandel, who died at the age of 95 in 2015, and was present at his funeral. She stood in the receiving line.
The Washington Post reported Mrs. Mandel shoveled the first scoop of earth on Mandel’s lowered coffin, as is the Jewish custom, with the parting sentiment, “God bless you, darling.”
Mrs. Mandel divided her time between Florida and the Imperial apartments in Northwest Baltimore.
Mrs. Mandel instituted the gallery of first ladies in Government House, where her portrait hangs.
Survivors include her daughter, Ellen Mandel Maltz, of Los Angeles; and two grandchildren. Her son, Gary Mandel, predeceased her.
This obituary will be updated.
