Ella T. Grasso

Ella Tambussi Grasso (May 10, 1919 – February 5, 1981) was an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who served as the 83rd Governor of Connecticut from January 8, 1975, to December 31, 1980. She was the first woman elected to this office and the first woman to be elected governor of a U.S. state without having been the spouse or widow of a former governor. She resigned as Governor due to her battle with ovarian cancer. Grasso started in politics as a member of the League of Women Voters and Democratic speech writer. She was first elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1952, becoming the first female Floor Leader in 1955. Her next office was Secretary of State of Connecticut, where she won re-election twice. Grasso went on to serve to serve two terms in the United States House of Representatives, from 1970-1974.