Then-state Assemblywoman Maureen Ogden is pictured in a file photo.
By Brent Johnson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Former state Assemblywoman Maureen Ogden, known for championing environmental causes in her 14 years in the New Jersey Legislature and as the first female mayor of Millburn, died Wednesday.
The Essex County Republican was 93.
Gov. Phil Murphy ordered New Jersey and U.S. flags at all state buildings to fly at half-staff in Ogden’s honor, saying she “dedicated her life to public service” and was a “passionate supporter of the arts and a steadfast champion of the environment.”
“As we honor her legacy as a leader and trailblazer, we commemorate her many achievements in state politics and conservationism,” Murphy said in a statement. “Tammy and I send our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.”
Ogden, a Republican, was mayor of Millburn from 1979-81 and was elected to the Assembly in 1981 with running mate Bob Franks, the future congressman.
During her seven terms, Ogden served as chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Conservation, Energy, and Natural Resources, as well as chair of the Committee on Arts, Tourism, and Cultural Affairs.
She supported legislation in 1994 to create a fund to preserve open space in the Garden State. She also sponsored a bill to give adopted residents access to their original birth certificates.
State Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-Union, said Odgen “represented the best of the best.”
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