Democratic State Representative Linda Orange died of cancer Wednesday. She was 69.
Orange represented Colchester, Lebanon, Mansfield, and Windham as a Democrat since 1997.
It’s only been two weeks since she said she’d step aside to focus on a battle with pancreatic cancer. Orange announced on Nov. 8 that she’d leave her seat in the state legislature to focus on her health.
After hearing about her death, U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-Conn) released a written statement saying that Orange was an outstanding legislator.
“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,” said Courtney, a former state house democrat. “Linda leaves a huge legacy for her office and for the Public Safety Committee, and a footprint in her community that will live on to the benefit of others.”
In the House of Representatives chamber at the State Capitol, a black sash covers Orange’s nameplate and desk area as a tribute to the long-time lawmaker. House Democrats say it’ll stay there until her seat is filled.
