LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Joyce Woodhouse, a longtime Nevada educator and state senator who spent decades fighting for Nevada families, has died.

Woodhouse retired after 40 years as a teacher and administrator with Clark County School District. She also served many years as a member of the Nevada State Senate.

“We lost a true champion for educators, for children, for our union,” said Dawn Etcheverry, president of the Nevada State Education Association.

MORE ON FOX5: Former Nevada state senator Joyce Woodhouse dies

Etcheverry said Woodhouse was known for her mentorship and dedication to education policy.

“She was truly a teacher. Every moment she spoke to you, she took time to give you some insight and teach you the latest thing you needed to know, because we definitely do this job on the shoulders of the people who came before us,” Etcheverry said.

Former state Sen. Maggie Carlton worked alongside Woodhouse for years on public education reform.

“If things were really tough, she was the one in the room that was kind and made sure that everyone was in a good place when the conversation was over,” Carlton said.

Carlton called Woodhouse a Nevadan by choice.

“She left the state better than she found it,” Carlton said.

Attorney General Aaron Ford said Woodhouse influenced his early political career.

“I think the very first campaign I ever worked on was for Senator Joyce Woodhouse, knocking doors for her to be elected to the state Senate,” Ford said.

Ford praised Woodhouse’s professionalism and commitment to public service.

“She was such a constant professional who was dedicated to doing what was best for not only her own district, but for the state,” Ford said.

When asked how Woodhouse should be remembered, Etcheverry said her focus on children defined her career.

“None of us went into this job for anything but what was best for children. And that’s where she led from. And so she was always the teacher in the room. And I want people to remember her for that,” Etcheverry said.

Woodhouse was inducted into the Clark County School District Hall of Fame earlier this year in honor of her lifetime of work in the district. She was also welcomed into the Senate Hall of Fame last year.

Several state and local law makers shared their condolences following Woodhouse’s passing, you can see more here.