The funeral for former Gov. M. Jodi Rell was held in Hartford on Tuesday afternoon after she was lying in state at the state Capitol this morning.
Hundreds attended the funeral service at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford Tuesday afternoon.
She was eulogized by Gov. Ned Lamont, former radio personality Ray Dunaway, and her children, Michael Rell and Meredith O'Connor.
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While Rell was in office, she held open houses at the state Capitol for several days to give people an opportunity to meet their new governor.
On Tuesday morning, the public was invited to the state Capitol to pay their respects and say goodbye to the woman who served as governor from 2004 until 2011.
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New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart worked for Rell and said she was a role model.
Many said Rell led, with kindness and her embrace of the people led to such a sweeping win for her in a blue state.
“It just speaks volumes,” State Rep. Vincent Candelora (R), the minority leader, said. “I remember her swearing-in ceremony in 2007 and I could not believe the amount of people, the public that came into the building to participate in it. You know, she really opened up the doors to everybody. I think people felt connected because of her as opposed to the Ivory Tower that people sort of view government. She really opened it up to the general public and it just transpired and it translated through her success in her elections.”
Rell is also being remembered as a calming force who took office during a difficult time, as someone always willing to work across the aisle and as a kind, sincere person who cared about everyone.
“She was everybody’s mother, she kind of came in with a gentle hand and said. ‘it’ll be alright,” Rell’s son, Michael Rell, said.
A private interment ceremony will be at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. The date has yet to be determined.
Rell will be buried alongside her husband Lou Rell, a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Rell was the 87th governor of Connecticut and was the second female governor in state history. She said she most wanted to be known for restoring faith in government.
This was at a time when former governor John Rowland and several mayors went to prison. Her successors say she did just that.
“I remember her as someone who came in at a complicated time and righted the ship," Lamont said.
He issued a directive for state and U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Tuesday and then to return to full-staff.
Rell was the first Republican woman to serve as governor of the state.
“I was always struck by her kindness, her warmth, her desire to do the best that she can for the State of Connecticut," former governor Dannel Malloy said.
Rell served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1985 to 1995.
She served as lieutenant governor from 1995 to 2004 and became governor when Gov. John Rowland resigned in 2004.
While in office, she continued her bipartisan reputation including signing a same-sex civil union bill in 2005, making Connecticut one of the first states in the country to recognize same-sex unions. She also helped negotiate an ethics bill that included public campaign financing.
Rell was re-elected to a full term as governor in 2006 and held the office until 2011.
