Mary Scranton | Pa. governor's widow, 97

Mary Scranton, 97, the widow of former Pennsylvania governor and presidential candidate William Warren Scranton, died Saturday at a retirement community in Montecito, Calif.

Her husband was a progressive Republican from the northeastern Pennsylvania city named after his wealthy family. He was elected to Congress in 1960 and served one term before he was elected governor in 1962.

His foray into presidential politics occurred in 1964, during his one term as governor. He emerged as a moderately liberal alternative to conservative Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater.

He died in 2013 at 96.

Mrs. Scranton graduated from Smith College, worked as a nurse's aide during World War II, and served on numerous boards. She is survived by her four children.

In her honor, Gov. Wolf ordered commonwealth flags at state facilities statewide to fly at half-staff.

- AP