BILLINGS (AP) -- Former Billings lawmaker Pat Regan, the first woman named to head the Senate Finance and Claims Committee, died at her home Saturday. She was 83.

Smith Funeral Chapels released her obituary.

Regan, a middle school teacher who served in the Montana House of Representatives in 1973-74 and the Senate from 1975-1990, was a strong advocate for equal rights.

"Any time when there was an appearance that women weren't treated equally, she was the first in line to tell someone about it," said Tom Towe, who served with Regan.

One of Regan's first achievements was getting a restroom for female legislators between the House and Senate chambers, Towe said. Male lawmakers had a restroom between the chambers, allowing them to avoid lobbyists.

Regan, a Democrat, also pushed for environmental protection, better education and consumer protection.

She was also the first chairwoman of the Senate Finance and Claims Committee.

"She was a great role model," said Sally Jordan, a longtime friend and head of the state Democratic Party in the early 1970s.

Regan could be a tough and effective legislator who stood her ground without demeaning those who disagreed with her, said Peggie Gaghen, a longtime friend.

"It gave others more courage to be brave and not just back down because it was the popular thing," Gaghen said.

But Regan could be intimidating to those who didn't know her well, Gaghen said.

"She had these very piercing eyes and made you think before you spoke," she said. "But inside she had a real tenderness."

Regan was born Ann Kennedy on Sept. 21, 1923 in Oak Park, Ill. She met her husband, Tom, while attending school at the Illinois Institute of Technology. They were married in 1950 and moved to Billings the following year.

She is survived by her husband, four children and five grandchildren.

Services for Regan are planned Friday at 2 p.m. at the Smith Downtown Chapel in Billings.

Information from: Billings Gazette, http://www.billingsgazette.com