M. Jodi Rell

Governor M. Jodi Rell, 78 of Brookfield, Connecticut and New Smyrna Beach, Florida, wife of the late Louis R. Rell, died in a Florida hospital after a brief illness on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia, daughter of Benjamin and Foy Reavis.

She served as the Governor of Connecticut from 2004 to 2011. She was the second female to serve as Governor in Connecticut history. Rell attended Old Dominion University and Western Connecticut State University. She received honorary doctor of law degrees from the University of Hartford and the University of New Haven. Prior to becoming Governor, she served as Lieutenant Governor (1995 to 2004) and as State Representative in the Connecticut General Assembly (1985 to 1995), representing her beloved Brookfield and Bethel.

She became the second highest ranking Republican member in the House of Representatives. Known for her kind spirit, approachability and integrity, Rell was a woman of strong character and grace. She did not shy away from difficult decisions and always promoted civil discourse and respect while serving the residents of Connecticut. Under Governor Rell’s leadership, the state made unprecedented investments in innovative early childhood programs and education aid for cities and towns. She also led “Team Connecticut” in saving the Groton/New London Submarine Base from closure and its 31,000 jobs.

Throughout her governorship, Jodi Rell made historic investments in the state’s railways, highways and ports. She championed legislation to invest $100 million in stem cell research and signed into law the first in-the-nation legislation allowing for the civil unions of same-sex couples. Just months after becoming Governor, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery for a mastectomy and reconstruction. Just nine days later - and still in considerable pain - she gave her first “State of the State” address before a joint session of the House and Senate. She became a lifelong advocate for breast cancer screenings, and helped countless women through their individual cancer struggles as they saw her as a beacon of hope and strength.

As Governor, she restored faith, integrity and trust back to state government by proposing and signing into law landmark campaign finance reforms, state contractor restrictions, as well as public financing of campaigns and creating a stronger, restructured State Ethics Commission. One of her proudest achievements was spearheading the funding and approvals needed for the long-delayed completion of the Route 7 bypass in Brookfield.

With a long list of accomplishments, she was most proud of her role as a mother and grandmother. At the height of her career, she chose to step away and retire, dedicating herself fully to spending time with her family. She leaves behind her daughter, Meredith O’Connor and her husband Matt and their children, Tyler and Shane. Her son Michael Rell and his wife Maura and their two children, Madeline and Charlie. Her niece Carrie Lubold and her husband Mike.

She will also be dearly missed by her extended families who welcomed her into their homes for cheerful holiday and birthday celebrations. Her family will always cherish their annual vacations to Ocean City, NJ—a tradition she eagerly looked forward to for over 50 years. She treasured catching up with friends over lunches and long walks, reading books, and cheering on her grandchildren in all their endeavors.

Governor Rell will lay in state at the State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The public is invited to pay tribute during this time. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, 140 Farmington Avenue, Hartford. Private interment will be at a later date at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to two organizations close to her heart: The Governor M. Jodi Rell Center for Public Service at the University of Hartford, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117. The Rell Center was established following her governorship to promote the values of integrity, civility and mutual understanding and respect in government and public service. For online contributions, please visit: https://www.hartford.edu/ academics/schools-colleges/ arts-sciences/academics/ departments-and-centers/ rell-center-for-publicservice.aspx Please note on your contribution: For The Civility Project.

The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002. Fidelco advocates for those who are visually impaired enabling increased independence, improving their lives and opening the world around them. For online contributions, please visit: www.fidelco.org