Democrat,

 

This week we grappled with the deeply saddening news of the passing of one of New Jersey's most accomplished and devoted public servants, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. Her departure leaves a void in our hearts and our state that will not easily be filled.

 

As the Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, and as someone who has known the Lt. Governor for decades, I join countless others in expressing my profound sorrow over the loss of a true trailblazer, an icon for representation, diversity, and progress. Lt. Governor Oliver's legacy is one of breaking barriers and inspiring generations to come. Throughout her distinguished career in elected office and government service, she achieved remarkable milestones, notably becoming New Jersey's first Black woman to serve as Assembly Speaker and Lt. Governor. Her contributions to our state will forever be etched in our history, as she was not only a pioneer but also a guiding light for the cause of social justice and equality.

“I knew then that her decades of public service made her the ideal partner for me to lead the State of New Jersey. It was the best decision I ever made,” said Governor Murphy earlier this week. “She brought a unique and invaluable perspective to our public policy discourse and served as an inspiration to millions of women and girls everywhere, especially young women of color. She was an incredibly genuine and kind person whose friendship and partnership will be irreplaceable.”

“Lt. Governor Oliver’s legacy of service and devotion to the people of New Jersey will never be forgotten,” said Senator Cory Booker. “She spent 27 years in public office, where she fought tirelessly for social justice, affordable housing, and economic opportunity for New Jerseyans, and especially for communities too often left out and left without a voice.”

 

“This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us who knew and admired Sheila Oliver,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “She touched the lives of countless people as a dedicated public official who worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for others. She has a record of accomplishment that is unmatched.”

 

To the family and friends of Lt. Governor Oliver, my wife Jackie, and I extend our heartfelt condolences during this time of mourning. We recognize and feel with you the depth of the loss you are experiencing and hope that the love and support of those around you offer some comfort during these difficult days.

 

Let us remember Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver for her unwavering commitment to uplifting working families and ensuring they were provided with the support they needed to thrive. Her dedication to bettering the lives of others serves as an enduring example to all of us in the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.

 

For those looking to pay their respects, the following details have been announced for a three-day “Celebration of Life” for Lt. Governor Oliver:

  • Thursday, August 10, 2023
    Members of the public are invited to pay their respects to Lt. Governor Oliver in the New Jersey State House Rotunda where she will lie in state. Additional details will be provided over the next few days. Lt. Governor Oliver will be escorted and accompanied by a rotating Honor Guard from the New Jersey State Police.
  • Friday, August 11, 2023
    On the morning of Friday, August 11, Lt. Governor Oliver will be escorted to the Essex County Historic Courthouse by the Honor Guard of the New Jersey State Police. Members of the public are invited to pay their respects to Lt. Governor Oliver at the Essex County Historic Courthouse where she will lie in state. Additional details will be provided over the next few days. Lt. Governor Oliver will be accompanied by a rotating Honor Guard from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.

  • Saturday, August 12, 2023  

    On the morning of Saturday, August 12, Lt. Governor Oliver will be accompanied to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart by the Honor Guard of the New Jersey State Police for a Memorial Service open to members of the public. Additional details will be provided over the next few days. Following the Memorial Service, the casket will be escorted by the Honor Guard of the New Jersey State Police to her final resting place where Lt. Governor Oliver will be interred in a private ceremony.

In addition, Governor Murphy yesterday ordered that state flags fly at half-staff for a month.  

 

Unfortunately this week we were also mourning the passing of Margaret "Peggy" Capone, Democratic candidate for Atlantic County County Executive, after an extended illness. In addition to being a passionate and committed Democratic volunteer and activist, Peggy served honorably for years as a member of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District Board of Education. As much as she loved politics and public service, her greatest passion was her family. She was so incredibly proud of her children, and our deepest sympathies go out to them and her husband, Christopher.

 

We also lost Dr Edina Renfro-Michel, a Boonton Councilwoman, who fought a hard and long battle with metastatic breast cancer. The Boonton Democratic Committee wrote a beautiful tribute to her legacy: "We are very lucky to have worked so closely with Edina, she was intelligent, compassionate and led by example, always practicing what she preached. Kind but firm, a true mentor to us and to our community of Boonton. We feel empty today, our MVP, who never let politics get in the way of what she believed was right for the people of Boonton left a big hole in our collective heart and spirit. We hope to follow her lead, to serve with dignity and compassion, the lead with grace and empathy, to listen to the people and continue to make beautiful Boonton NJ the place to call home.”

 

While our Democratic community across the state continues to mourn these immeasurable losses, we must come together in solidarity and support, providing comfort and strength to one another. Together, we can honor the memories of those we have lost while continuing to strive to build a brighter future because in our shared grief lies the potential to strengthen our bonds and carry on the work and legacies of those we have been inspired by. Together, we shall overcome and emerge stronger, forging ahead with resilience and determination, as a united Democratic family.

 

— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

 
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New Jersey Democratic State Committee
142 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
United States

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