CHICAGO (CBS) – An Illinois woman, two people from Wisconsin and a woman from Indiana were among 39 people pardoned by President Joe Biden on Thursday after convictions for nonviolent crimes. The president also commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 other people who were released from prison and placed under house arrest during the coronavirus pandemic, the largest one-day act of mercy in modern history.

Many of the pardons These are non-violent drug crimes committed long ago, including against 51-year-old Diana Bazan Villanueva of La Grange, Illinois. She was convicted of a nonviolent drug crime in her 20s and the White House said she has since become a dedicated mother, regularly volunteering at school events, fundraisers and autism-related charities.

“Friends and colleagues consistently praise Ms. Villanueva, describing her as warm, reliable and always helpful,” the White House said.

Also pardoned was Emily Good Nelson, 39, of Indianapolis, who was convicted of nonviolent drug offenses when she was 19. Since her release, the White House said she has completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and has volunteered as a counselor at a correctional-patient psychiatric facility.

“She has spoken publicly about drug use and volunteered as a counselor at an inpatient psychiatric facility. “She is described as kind, committed to recovery and helping others, and as someone of tremendous talent and ability,” the White House said.

Two people from Wisconsin also received pardons.

Jerry Donald Manning, 70, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was convicted of nonviolent crimes and later received an early release on his probation. Since then, the Army veteran has furthered his education and career in aviation and has been active in his community as a soccer coach and Bible teacher, according to the White House.

Audrey Diane Simone, 63, of Prescott, Wisconsin, was convicted of a nonviolent felony and has since worked in addiction recovery and earned a bachelor’s degree and a permanent counseling license. She also serves as a deacon in her church and works in the church’s prison ministry.

The full list of pardons and commutations can be found here.