Former Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan was remembered as a trailblazing public servant after she died Wednesday, March 11, at age 67.
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Catherine Nolan, a lawmaker who represented Western Queens within the Meeting for almost 4 a long time, died Wednesday morning at age 67 following a protracted battle with most cancers.
Nolan was one of many youngest girls elected to state workplace when she started representing Meeting District 37 in 1985. Her district included Sunnyside, Astoria, Woodside, Lengthy Island Metropolis, Maspeth and Ridgewood the place she lived most of her life.
“Cathy Nolan was a true champion and a trailblazer in every sense of those words,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards mentioned. “Elected to the state Assembly at just 26 years old, she inspired a generation of young people in western Queens to get involved in their community, but she wasn’t satisfied with just holding office or accumulating political power. Instead, she dedicated every day of her nearly 38-year Assembly career to improving our education system and investing in the future of countless children across our borough, city and state, regardless of their ZIP code or socioeconomic status.”
Catherine Nolan obtained a standing ovation throughout a uncommon look at Sanger Corridor in Sunnyside in January 2024.Picture by Paul Frangipane
Fittingly, it was Meeting Speaker Carl Heastie who introduced Nolan’s passing on Wednesday.
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of my friend and former Assemblymember Cathy Nolan,” Heastie mentioned. “She was a dedicated public servant and a trailblazer. She was the first woman to chair the Labor Committee and was a leading force in raising the minimum wage and strengthening workers’ protections. She served as chair of the Education Committee, fighting for Universal Pre-K, reducing class sizes and improving graduation rates.”
Nolan introduced her retirement in February 2022, one 12 months after she was identified with peritoneal mesothelioma, a uncommon asbestos-related most cancers.
“In her 38 years in the People’s House, she was a voice for her constituents in Queens and fought for legislation that improved the lives of people across our great state,” Heastie continued. “I was lucky to serve with her and privileged to have her on my leadership team as deputy speaker. My heart goes out to her husband Gerry, her son Nick and to all her friends and loved ones. She will be missed.”
Nolan was a staunch supporter of Amazon’s proposal to construct an enormous HQ2 facility in 2018 and had disdain for her progressive colleagues in Western Queens who rallied group assist towards the plan that was lastly scuttled in February 2019.
It was a stance that was appreciated in reasonable Democratic circles throughout the borough. Northeast Queens Assemblymember Edward Braunstein mentioned he was saddened to listen to of her passing.
Assemblymember Ed Braunstein with former Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan as she was honored at a gathering of the Ridgewood Democratic Membership in 2022.Picture courtesy of Braunstein’s Workplace
“Cathy was not only a tremendous legislator, but she was also a caring friend and colleague, Braunstein said. “I will always be grateful for the support and guidance she gave me over the years. She will be deeply missed.”
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar mentioned she will probably be internet hosting a candlelight vigil at a later date to honor her former colleague who she referred to as a exceptional chief.
“Throughout her nearly 38-year career, she showed what principled leadership looks like—fighting for working people, strengthening our schools, and lifting up communities across New York,” Rajkumar mentioned. “Assemblywoman Nolan’s impact was felt deeply here in Ridgewood, which both of us represented. For nearly four decades, she was a steadfast advocate for the people of Ridgewood and all of Queens, championing policies that supported workers, children, and families. I was honored to serve alongside her and proud to have her leadership as Deputy Speaker.”
Nolan died on March 11, sooner or later shy of her 68th birthday.
“While Cathy is no longer with us physically, her legacy of service and commitment to her constituents in Western Queens and beyond undoubtedly lives on,” Richards mentioned. “My thoughts, and those of 2.4 million Queens residents, are with the Nolan family and all who knew and loved her.”
