Former CT Gov. Rell Was A Trailblazing Leader: Mayor Simmons

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons has commented on former Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who died Wednesday in Florida following a brief illness.

"I am saddened to hear about the passing of Governor Jodi Rell. Throughout her distinguished career, she led with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of those she served," Simmons posted to Facebook. "She was a trailblazing leader and dedicated public servant who left an indelible mark on the state of Connecticut. My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time."

Rell was Connecticut's 87th governor, serving from 2004 until 2011. She was only the second female governor in the state's history. Prior to serving as the state's top executive, Rell served as lieutenant governor for 10 years and as a member of the state House of Representatives for 10 years, representing Brookfield and Bethel.

>>>Read more on Rell and reaction from around the state

Born in Virginia on June 16, 1946, Rell attended Old Dominion University and Western Connecticut State University. She received honorary doctor of law degrees from the University of Hartford in 2001 and the University of New Haven in 2004.

Rell made unprecedented investments in innovative early childhood programs, and also signed into law two balanced and on-time state budgets that honored the state’s spending cap, provided for the state’s “Rainy Day” budget reserve fund to be filled, and invested in other critical priorities, according to her biography with the National Governors' Association.

Gov. Ned Lamont has ordered flags in the state to be lowered, effective immediately, and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined.