Long-Time State Rep. Mary Fritz, of Wallingford, Dies at 78

Wallingford, CT - State Rep. Mary Fritz, 78, died Saturday morning, according media reports including the Meriden Record Journal.

Fritz, who had been diagnosed with cancer, had announced she wouldn't seek reelection to the 90th district, the Record Journal reported.

Her district includes Cheshire and Wallingford and she had served for over three decades.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he is directing State of Connecticut flags to remain at half-staff in honor of State Representative Mary Fritz (D-Cheshire, Wallingford), who passed away early this morning.

"She was a true public servant who put the priorities of her constituents first and represented her district with distinction, yet she never questioned whether the tough issues were worth tackling. For 32 years, Wallingford, Cheshire, and indeed the entire state was lucky to have Representative Mary Fritz in the halls of the Capitol.

She was as thoughtful a mentor to so many around her outside the house chamber as she was a compelling and passionate voice for the issues she advocated for on the floor. Mary Fritz will be missed by everyone she fought with and for, and everyone she took the time to advise in her life. Cathy and I extend our deepest condolences to her husband, William, and the entire Fritz family," Malloy said in a statement.

Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman today released the following statement on the death of State Representative Mary Fritz: “Mary’s passing will be felt throughout the district she so honorably represented and across the entire state. Connecticut has lost a truly committed legislator and a wonderful woman.

I had the privilege of serving with her—she helped shape the Connecticut we know and love today, working to improve the lives of our youngest residents, protecting our seniors and first responders, and strengthening education and healthcare. My heart goes out to her family and her legislative family and friends. This is a very sad day for us all," Wyman said in a prepared statement.

She was first elected in 1982 and lost her reelection bid in 1984. After retaking the seat in 1986, she never gave it up, winning 14 consecutive elections, according to her official biography on the House Democrats website.

“After so many years of serving my constituents, I will be retiring at the completion of my current term,” Fritz said when she announced that she had planned to retire at the end of her term. “You can pass bills and you can bring money back to your district, but when you can solve a person’s problem, that’s really the best part of this job. You can make that person whole.”

Prior to becoming a legislator, Fritz served as a member of the Board of Education in Wallingford, where she lived with her husband William. She was previously a teacher, owner of a private nursery and co-owner of a custom furniture and gift store in Wallingford.