Rep. Kathy Javner, a Chester Republican in the middle of her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives, has died at 52, her caucus announced Monday.

Javner, a mother of three, was first elected to the Legislature in 2018. She represented a string of rural Penobscot County towns that include Millinocket, Medway and Patten.

“Fiercely devoted to the people of Northern Penobscot County, Representative Javner served her constituents in the Maine House with distinction,” Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, said in a statement. “On behalf of the people of Maine, I offer condolences to Representative Javner’s family and community.”

Javner had previously disclosed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“A faithful servant, Kathy reflected Christ’s love through humility, hard work and compassion,” Maine House Republicans said in a statement about Javner, who was their ranking member on the Legislature’s health committee. “Rooted in Maine values and shaped by years of cross-cultural service and teaching, she carried a quiet strength and generous heart into her family life and public service.”

Javner’s career included time spent as a teacher, development worker and homemaker, according to her biography on the House Republicans’ website. Javner, her husband and children returned to Maine in 2014 after living in West Africa for more than a decade.

A special election will happen at a later date to fill Javner’s seat in the chamber that Democrats narrowly control.

“We thank God for her witness and legacy, and pray His peace and comfort over her family and all who loved her,” the Republican caucus said of Javner in its statement.