(WXIN/WTTV) — Nancy Leonard, the woman considered the matriarch of the Indiana Pacers and the "First Lady of Indiana basketball," has died at the age of 93.

The Pacers and Leonard's family confirmed her passing in a statement on Tuesday.

The widow of former Pacers coach and general manager Bobby "Slick" Leonard, the 93-year-old Nancy played a key role in keeping the franchise in Indianapolis after joining the NBA in 1977. Since then, she has stayed heavily involved in Pacers operations.

"We are heartbroken to hear of Nancy Leonard’s passing. Quite simply, we would not be here without her," the Pacers said in a statement. "From the earliest days of the franchise, Nancy poured her heart and soul into the team, not just as the wife of Slick Leonard, but as a female trailblazer who rallied

See Full Page