Former First Selectman Elected To Ellington Wall Of Honor

ELLINGTON, CT — A longtime public servant who served as Ellington first selectman for 10 years has been elected for inclusion on the town's Wall of Honor.

The late Mary (Nugent) Miller, who became first selectman in 1979, was selected at a Board of Selectmen meeting July 12. During her time as first selectman, she took the time to attend meetings of other town agencies, familiarizing herself with all departments and commissions.

She was responsible for numerous updates to the town, including the computerization of certain town offices, the hiring of the first town planner, renovation of the annex building for town use and improvements to emergency agencies in Ellington. Her total contributions to the community are innumerable; she involved herself in many aspects of the town’s operations, and her devotion to Ellington and its people was truly immeasurable.

First Selectman Lori Spielman said, "I know how much time and effort Mary put into developing new plans and projects for Ellington and its residents. She had excellent long-term vision and worked tirelessly to see her ideas to fruition. She was exceptionally well-rounded, and took the time to learn each department’s practices to ensure that everything and everyone worked together efficiently and successfully."

Prior to her tenure as first selectman, Miller, who passed away in 2020 at age 78, volunteered with the town’s Community Development Action Plan and served as a member of the Board of Finance. After she stepped down from elected office, she spent seven years as a special projects manager for the Capitol Region Council of Governments.

A formal induction ceremony will take place Saturday, Sept. 11 at 4 p.m. at the site of the Wall of Honor in Arbor Park, off Main Street. The public is encouraged to attend.

"As the dedication of Arbor Park took place during Mary’s tenure, as part of the town’s Bicentennial Celebration in 1986, it is only fitting that her name be a part of the grounds for the years to come," Spielman said.

Donations in Miller's memory are being accepted to the Ellington Community Scholarship Association, designated to the Mary A. Miller Memorial Scholarship. These donations will be awarded to Ellington High School graduates.

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