Waterford Mourns Loss Of Selectwoman Jody Nazarchyk

WATERFORD, CT — Selectwoman Jody Nazarchyk, known as the "town matriarch," has died. She was 71.

First Selectman Rob Brule announced Nazarchyk's passing on the town website.

"I join all Waterford citizens in our grieving, close-knit community and many others throughout our region whose lives have been made better by knowing Jody in expressing our deepest sympathy and condolences to her family during this most difficult time," he wrote.

"Waterford has lost one of its greatest and most dedicated public servants whose selfless devotion toward community excellence and service over many years represents an enduring legacy and has set a standard we can only hope to continue living up to in her memory."

Nazarchyk was a 25-year member of the Board of Education. She served on multiple school organizations, taught catechism at St. Paul's Church for 15 years, and was a longtime Little League Softball coach, The New London Day reported.

Brule wrote that Nazarchyk devoted her entire adult life to serving the people of Waterford.

"Most notably, she spent many thousands of hours leading the Waterford Boosters, creating beneficial athletic opportunities for our children. She then shifted her energies from the field to the classroom by serving first as a member and later chairwoman of our Board of Education so these same children could enjoy and benefit from an educational excellence in our community's schools."

The cause of her death was not disclosed. Brule wrote that her death was "sudden and untimely."