Ella Grasso (May 10, 1919 – February 5, 1981), born Ella Giovanna Oliva Tambussi, was an American politician, and first woman elected governor of Connecticut.
Grasso was born in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, to Italian immigrant parents. Contrary to popular belief, she was not the first elected woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state; however, Grasso was the first woman who was elected governor "in her own right," without being the wife or widow...
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Ella Grasso (May 10, 1919 – February 5, 1981), born Ella Giovanna Oliva Tambussi, was an American politician, and first woman elected governor of Connecticut.
Grasso was born in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, to Italian immigrant parents. Contrary to popular belief, she was not the first elected woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state; however, Grasso was the first woman who was elected governor "in her own right," without being the wife or widow of a past governor. She was also the first female governor of Connecticut.
After attending St. Mary's School in Windsor Locks, and then the Chaffee School in Windsor, Grasso went on to Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, where she was awarded her B.A. in 1940 and her M.A. in 1942. After graduation, she served as assistant director of research for the War Manpower Commission of Connecticut.
Grasso's summer home was located on Duck River Lane in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
In 1952, Grasso was elected to the Connecticut House of...
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