Betty Boukus: A True Public Servant

December 2, 2016

“My heart and prayers go out to Betty’s family, and they should know that Representative Boukus was one of the most beloved members of the General Assembly. She took on each of her responsibilities with a caring hand, always understanding that decisions had a human impact. She was a giant for her hometown of Plainville, the kind of leader who cannot be replaced. Even as she faced health issues more recently, Betty campaigned the way she legislated – fighting selflessly for the best interests of her constituents. Certainly Betty’s experience, knowledge, and counsel as a legislative colleague were invaluable, but having her as a friend was the true gift to all of us who knew her. Representative Boukus was the rare person who knew the importance of giving back to society more than one takes from it.” - Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden)

 

“Betty Boukus was a great friend, an incredible person and a dedicated legislator. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Betty knew that her personality could fill an entire room. She brought an unrivaled level of passion to the issues that she and her constituents cared about and worked hard to fight for what her district needed. She did all of this with a smile on her face and a clever comment up her sleeve. There will never be another Betty Boukus. The Connecticut General Assembly has lost one of its very best and she will truly be missed.” – Speaker of the House-elect Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin/Southington).

 

“Betty was a mentor. She was always willing to offer young legislators advice – both solicited and unsolicited. She had the heart and soul of a teacher. Betty wanted all of us to be better legislators for our constituents and the entire state. Betty’s Secret Santa collection for homeless veterans at the State Veterans Home in Rocky Hill has become an annual holiday tradition at the State Capitol. Her work touched so many. When I think about Betty’s joy for life it brings a smile to my face. She seized every day.  Even as she struggled with a long illness, Betty Boukus brought light into every room she entered.” – Incoming House Majority Leader Matt Ritter (D-Hartford)

 

 

“Betty was an exceptionally compassionate and dedicated soul who gave so much of herself to serve our state. I will never forget her humor, wit and positive attitude. She was always making people laugh and always incredibly knowledgeable. My heart goes out to her family, friends and colleagues. We will all miss Betty greatly and her inspiring commitment to serving Connecticut.” - Senator Len Fasano

 

“Rep. Betty Boukus was a colleague, a friend, and a longtime advocate for the people of the 22nd District. I am greatly saddened to hear of her passing and my heartfelt condolences go out to her husband, Gary, and the rest of her family and friends. Betty was a tremendous advocate for our veterans and organized the annual State Capitol Secret Santa Collection for the Rocky Hill Veterans Home and Hospital. Every day she worked to make Connecticut a better place. The state has lost a dedicated and honorable public servant.” - Senator Henri Martin

 

"Betty Boukus was a one-of-a-kind public servant. Throughout her 22 years in the legislature, she was a tireless advocate for her district and the state. And she got results. As co-chair of the bonding subcommittee, she was she was respected and admired by Democrats and Republicans alike for her commitment to the communities and constituencies she represented and her seemingly boundless work ethic. Beyond her prowess as a legislator, however, I will remember Betty as a warm and kind person. I will miss Betty, and, ;on behalf of the Democratic State Central Committee, I offer my deepest condolences to her family." - Connecticut Democratic Party Chairman Nick Balletto

 

“Betty Boukus was warm, kind-hearted and one of the best friends anyone could ask for. She was a champion for children and education. She was also the driving force in ensuring that Connecticut’s state heroine, Prudence Crandall, was properly recognized at the State Capitol. Every year, I had the honor of joining Betty for an annual ceremony celebrating Prudence Crandall and that event will live on. Betty was one of a kind. She will be missed.” - Secretary of the State of Connecticut Denise Merrill