State Rep. Linda Orange of Colchester died at age 69 on Wednesday.
Just 12 days ago, Orange announced she planned to resign in February due to pancreatic cancer.
The outpouring of love for Orange and her family overwhelming and immediate.
“She had an undeniably witty sense of humor and a charming character that brightened even the gloomiest of days,” Lamont said.” In particular, she will be remembered as being one of the most ardent champions advocating on behalf of our state’s first responders. She did lasting good work for Connecticut, and she will be missed.”
Orange was elected to Connecticut’s 48th House District seat in 1996, representing Colchester, Lebanon, Mansfield, and Windham.
House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz added that “Representative Orange was not only a colleague in the House, but a good friend who was a beloved and respected presence at the Capitol. She was a consummate professional as a legislator who cared deeply about her community. Despite her personal health challenges, Linda continued to work tirelessly on behalf of her constituents, setting a standard we can all strive for. Rep. Orange was one of those rare people who truly gave back to society more than she took.”
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal called her a “relentless and tenacious fighter” with a “huge heart and a ready laugh.”
“Linda was an outstanding legislator,” U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney said. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity as a former member of our State Legislature to watch her first foray into public service when she clerked for the Human Services Committee in the General Assembly, which I chaired at the time. Linda had a knack for working with people and achieving real results – it was apparent back then, and throughout her fifteen years of service to her constituents.”
But it wasn’t only members of her own party who loved her.
The Connecticut Republican Party sent out a tweet calling her a “truly dedicated public servant” who “will be missed in her community and at the Capitol.”
“To say our hearts are heavy in hearing of the loss of our beloved Linda Orange would be an understatement ,” House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, “Linda’s passion for her family and the state of Connecticut was unsurpassed When I am someday looking back on my time in the legislature, one of the main highlights will be serving with Linda Orange, and being able to learn from her what a true public servant should be. God bless her and her family.
Services have yet to be scheduled.
