Today we announce the passing of 71-year-old Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, Sheila Y. Oliver.
She was rushed to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston just one day prior due to an undisclosed medical issue, and sadly passed away on Tuesday.
Her family released a statement following her death, mourning her loss as an “incredible sadness”.
Governor Phil Murphy also mourned Oliver’s loss and said selecting her as his running mate in 2017 was “the best decision he ever made”.
Before becoming lieutenant governor in 2018, Oliver earned national recognition for being the first black woman to serve as speaker of the state assembly from 2010-2013.
Prior to taking office as lieutenant governor she was head of the Department of Community Affairs.
Furthermore, she had been serving as acting governor this week while Murphy took a family vacation in Italy.
This marks not only an enormous loss for the state but also because she broke ground for women throughout her career in politics.
She was both speaker of General Assembly and the second Black woman nationwide to lead a state legislature house—it is truly devastating news for those who knew or admired her work.
It’s important that her family and those who cared for her honor her legacy by reflecting upon all she achieved during her decades long commitment to public service.
