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Friends, Colleagues Remember Kokoruda

Described as an end-of-an-era in Madison politics, friends, colleagues, and family members have shown an outpouring of respect and love for former selectwoman Noreen Kokoruda and her legacy of commitment to Madison.

Kokoruda, a 14-year veteran of the Board of Selectmen (BOS) and former State Representative, died on Dec. 22, 2022, following a health struggle.

“Her life in Madison was the stuff of local legend. Deeply beloved by the entire community, she made an impact across multiple generations, touching many lives," Kokoruda's obituary read. "As a younger mother in the 1980s, she worked tirelessly as a volunteer, PTO member, athletic booster, and even as a substitute teacher for a number of years where she was affectionately known as 'Mrs. Koko.' After the graduation of her two sons from Daniel Hand High School, she began a stretch of public service that was truly remarkable. She spent 10 years on the Beach and Recreation Commission, served for 14 years on the Board of Selectman as an elected official, played an instrumental role in the formation of Madison Youth Lacrosse, and was the senior director of the Shoreline Foundation for many years.”

Kokoruda was elected as a State Representative in the 101st District, serving Madison, Durham, and Guilford, in 2011.

According to her obituary, “It was her decade in Hartford that she personally considered to be her most impactful, and she quickly developed a reputation as both an effective and savvy legislator as well as a moderate and sober voice who regularly reached across the aisle when she knew it would benefit her constituents. Her final years in Hartford coincided with her cancer diagnosis, and she courageously pushed forward even winning a re-election bid in 2018 in the middle of a debilitating cancer treatment that left her without a voice for much of the campaign.”

Kokoruda was re-elected to the Madison BOS in 2021.

Close friend and former chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Ron Clark, worked closely with Kokoruda for decades. Clark said Kokoruda's compassion and concern for others were displayed right until the end.

“My wife, Joan, passed away on the 25th of November and I can’t begin to tell you how many times Noreen called me, texted me, or sent me an email wondering how I was doing in spite of what she was dealing with,” recalled Clark. “She was much more concerned about me than she was herself. And I think that says volumes about what type of human being she was. It was never about her, it was always about others. It points to the person she was. It meant a lot to me then, and certainly means a lot more in retrospect.”

Clark said Kokoruda was unique in her approach to community service She was always ready to reach across the aisle to develop relationships and form a consensus.

“Noreen was incredible. Her whole purpose always seemed to be service above self. She started out by serving the community not in politics, [but] by being involved with a number of nonprofits and civic organizations over the years,” Clark said. “What I found, was that Noreen had in her political life, is that she never bothered to stick her finger up to see which way the wind was blowing. On issues, whether legislation or the budget, she would listen. She would form her opinions from the input of the community and from other parties to make what she felt was the right decision. Listening and paying attention to her constituents was invaluable to her, in helping her to decide what was best for her community. Sadly, that is missing in politics and exemplifies what made her different and what made her so valuable to the town.”

Clark added, “Time, after time, after time, she had a moral compass that wanted to do what was right and to do what best helped others and not for herself. She was truly concerned about the people she represented. She will sorely be missed by all.”

Clark suggested that the committees working on the Academy project consider naming the new Community Center after Kokoruda in light of her efforts and dedication.

Former First Selectman and former Board of Finance (BOF) chair and current member Fillmore McPherson said he has extremely fond memories of Kokoruda. He praised her contributions to Madison and dedication to all of her constituents.

“Noreen was very hard-working and very honest, and she was a friend. It was not about confrontational politics. She was trying always to do what was best for Madison. I remember thinking that when she decided to move up to the State House in 2011. I thought, well Madison’s loss is going to be Connecticut’s gain because she was so hard-working and such a great public servant. But it turned out I was wrong because Madison didn’t lose. It ended up being Madison’s gain and Connecticut’s gain,” McPherson said. “She was doing the right thing no matter the issue. And her dedication to her district and to the state as a whole was certainly something to remember and to honor. One thing I learned from all my years of knowing Noreen as a friend and as a fellow worker is that you couldn’t say 'no' to Noreen. She framed everything so well and made everything such an imperative that you just couldn’t say no to her.”

McPherson added, “She was always an across-the-aisle person, seeking what was best for everyone. She was a great family person, and I feel so profoundly sad for her husband Dan and for her entire family. She will be missed by everyone.”

Selectman Bruce Wilson said her influence and dedication will be sorely missed in the Madison community.

“Every once in a while you encounter a truly special person. Noreen Kokoruda was one of those people for me. She was a friend and a mentor who always had time to help in whatever way was needed. She had that rare gift of speaking plainly and honestly and setting me straight — even if I did not always want to hear it,” Wilson recalled. “As special as I felt to have her help and attention, I know I was not special. Noreen had time for everyone and was ever quick to offer sound advice, volunteer, or simply listen. I will miss Noreen as a colleague and mentor, but mostly I will miss her as a friend. Noreen, I did not have the chance to thank you for all you did, so I will say it now dear friend.”

Kokoruda is survived by her husband, Dan, sons Brett and Shane, her daughter-in-laws, Jen and Sharon, and five grandchildren.