HARTFORD, Conn. — On Tuesday, members of the public, including state residents, officials, and insiders, gathered to pay their respects to the late former Governor of Connecticut, M. Jodi Rell. Among those attending were Alvin and Nancy Ravizza, who had only met Rell once at her official residence during a Christmas tour. The couple, hailing from Berlin, expressed their gratitude for how Rell handled the state’s leadership amid a corruption scandal in 2004, which followed the resignation of her predecessor.
Nancy Ravizza remarked on Rell’s ability to heal the state during her term, stating, “That’s my memory of her,” while her husband added, “Truly a good woman. That’s why we’re here.” Rell was Connecticut’s second female governor, following Ella Grasso, and served from 2004 to 2011. Before that role, Rell was a state representative and lieutenant governor from 1995 to 2004. Her ascendance to the governorship occurred after former Governor John G. Rowland left under scrutiny due to a federal investigation, ultimately leading to his guilty plea for corruption and subsequent prison time.
Following her initial swearing-in, Rell was warmly welcomed by nearly 1,000 supporters at the Capitol. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 78 on November 21 in a Florida hospital due to a brief illness, as reported by her family.
During the tribute, both Republicans and Democrats fondly recalled Rell as a unique figure in a time marked by political discord—someone who was kind and compassionate yet firm when necessary. Former state Senator Donald Williams, a Democrat, reflected on Rell’s integrity and her commitment to serving all Connecticut residents, stating, “At her core, Jodi Rell was a respectful person of integrity.” He expressed a yearning for a return to the collaborative spirit that characterized their time in office despite political disagreements.
Democratic Governor Ned Lamont honored Rell with one of four eulogies at a memorial service held at Hartford’s Cathedral of St. Joseph, where her coffin was draped in the Connecticut state flag. Lamont shared how their friendship blossomed after he took office, creating a tradition where they would greet the public together during the holiday season. “People would greet her like they’d just seen her last week,” Lamont recalled, highlighting how Rell’s warmth and approachability made her memorable.
Pauline Kezer, a former Republican Secretary of State who worked alongside Rell in the House, praised her as a “trailblazer,” noting the difficult circumstances she faced upon taking office and her successful efforts to restore public trust in the government. “She governed with calmness and firmness, which are two hard things to put together,” Kezer remarked.
Democratic Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz also spoke to Rell’s relatability, sharing anecdotes about her everyday life, including her fondness for shopping at the discount store Marshalls, where her dog was named Marshall. Bysiewicz concluded that Rell was the kind of person everyone respected and would be keen to speak with if encountered in a grocery store or standing in line.
