Former Newtown State Representative Julia Wasserman has died at the age of 91. The nine-term Republican state Representative passed away this morning.
Wasserman was born in Germany and escaped the Nazis as a girl, eventually moving to the United States in 1957. Wasserman served a decade on the Newtown Legislative Council, 13 years as an appointed to the state DEP Resource Conservation and Development Project and 10 years on the Newtown Conservation Commission. She was appointed to the state Board of Pardons and Parole after retiring from the legislature.
Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra says she is saddened by the news of Wasserman's passing, but notes that she was struggling with health issues over the past month. Llodra is grateful the town had the opportunity to recognize her while she was still alive, with a celebration held in June.
Listening to the many people who wanted to speak at the event, Llodra learned many things about Wasserman's extraordinary life of service. She says Newtown has benefitted tremendously, from the very humble woman. Wasserman's passion for conservation causes was highlighted during the tribute. Beyond the "public Julia", Llodra says there were so many other pieces of her story. She unofficially adopted a son from Uganda, sending him to UConn, giving him a better life.
Wasserman is said to have lived a life of personal conviction to do good.
Llodra says there are many contributions that Wasserman made to Newtown, and to the state, so much so that a state road in Newtown has been named after her. "Wasserman Way" leads to the Fairfield Hills Campus. She has been cited as the architect and creator of the pact between the state and the town in acquiring the property. She had input in developing the Master Plan, and Llodra says if it had not been for Wasserman's leadership, the town probably would not have the property as it exists today.
Senator Richard Blumenthal has released a statement about Wasserman's passing. He called Wasserman an original. An original thinker, rejecting stereotypes and partisanship seeking effective solutions with energy and insight. Blumenthal says Wasserman was tireless in her dedication to public service and led an extraordinary life of caring, friendship and service to the community.
