Conn. lawmaker Elaine O'Brien, 58, dies of cancer

State Rep. Elaine O'Brien, a Democrat from Suffield, Conn., whose involvement in public service spanned two decades, died of brain cancer yesterday at the age of 58.

O'Brien first was elected to represent the state legislature's 61st District, which includes Suffield, Windsor and East Granby, in 2010, after spending 19 years in local government.

"Elaine served the 61st District and the entire State of Connecticut with great distinction fighting for the needs of all of our citizens," said House Speaker Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). "Elaine was a great friend to all of us, her beautiful smile and great sense of humor will be missed."

O'Brien was a member of three legislative committees, where she was vice-chairwoman of the appropriations committee and also sat on the commerce and transportation committees. She introduced one lone bill in the General Assembly's 2014 session -- a measure to obtain DECD funds for construction and renovation of the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston. Last year, she co-sponsored a bill, signed into law last June, that increases roadway zone worker safety by stiffening penalties for drivers who do not obey laws within those zones.

A mother of three, O'Brien died at Hebrew Health Care in West Hartford, after a long battle with cancer. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy ordered state flags lowered to half-staff in her honor.

"Elaine was a passionate legislator who dedicated much of her life to public service at the local and state levels, championing proposals to improve the health and safety of Connecticut citizens," the governor said.

-- MCT

SEE PHOTOSRecent notable deaths