Longtime Woodbridge Councilwoman Nancy Bader Drumm Dies

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — A longtime Woodbridge Councilwoman who was just about to be sworn into her third term died Sunday at home.

Councilwoman Nancy Bader Drumm succumbed to her battle with cancer, confirmed Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac, who was a political ally of Drumm's and said he also counted her as a close friend.

She died at 62 years old, having been diagnosed with cancer nine months ago.

"Nancy was a terrific public servant who would help anybody, at anytime and with anything she could," said a clearly emotional McCormac on Monday afternoon. "She will be sorely missed. Woodbridge will never be the same without her."

Drumm represented Woodbridge's First Ward on the town Council; she previously served two four-year terms. She had just handily won re-election this past November, and was about to be sworn into her third term Tuesday.

Drumm lived in Woodbridge proper for her entire life; she raised her children in the town and sent them to Woodbridge local schools. For the past five years, she sat on the Planning Board, was a member of the Woodbridge Historical Association and also worked at the Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce, where she was the director of membership.

"Nancy had exposure to people in business in every corner of Woodbridge," said the mayor. "She was an advocate for Woodbridge businesses and she was a fierce advocate to buy local."

Drumm was optimistic when she asked the public to re-elect her in November for a third term. In campaign statements, she spoke proudly of Woodbridge's business and development growth, saying it was a priority of her's while in office.

"Our Downtown Main Street is getting a cozy downtown feel bustling with businesses that have been here for many years, along with our new businesses," she said at the time.

Drum leaves behind her husband, her mother, her son and daughter and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 - 8 p.m. Jan. 5 at Costello-Greiner Funeral Home in Woodbridge. Funeral services will be at St. James R.C. Church Thursday, according to her obituary.

Drumm was a Democrat. To fill her seat, Woodbridge's Democratic committee will meet and choose three candidates to fill her seat. At the Jan. 18 Council meeting, the Council will select one of those three.

Prior: Meet The Woodbridge Council Candidates: Why They Want Your Vote (Oct. 2021)

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