The Ohio House of Representatives recently celebrated the legacy of Marigene Valiquette, an esteemed public servant widely recognized as the longest-serving female legislator in the state’s history. Valiquette, who passed away on Tuesday, just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday, was remembered both for her pioneering work in state politics and her steadfast advocacy for labor rights, children’s welfare, and women's equality.
House Minority Leader Allison Russo described Valiquette as a "trailblazer for women" who paved the way in public service at a time when female representation was scarce, "Marigene Valiquette was a trailblazer for women trying to get their foot in the door of public service at a time with few women serving in these roles. I sadly did not know her, but I do know her legacy of standing up for children, fighting for equal rights for women, and always being a champion of labor, which helped make Ohio what it is today," Russo said according to a statement obtained by Ohiohouse.gov.
State Rep. Michele Grim reflected on Valiquette's impact as a fearless leader who represented the interests of working Ohioans from her base in Toledo, often being the sole female voice in crucial policy discussions, "Marigene Valiquette was a true pioneer for women in Ohio politics. As a leader in Toledo, she fought for her community at the Statehouse. Marigene was a true example of what it meant to represent working Ohioans. Many times, she was the only woman in the room, but this never stopped her from being an effective and diligent legislator. Ohio is a better place due to her leadership; I am grateful for her years of service and the example she left behind," said Rep. Grim in a statement from the same report.
In a similar spirit, Toledo’s own State Rep. Elgin Rogers underscored the privilege of the greater Toledo area in having a representative like Valiquette, who devoted 24 years to serving as a staunch advocate for women and labor rights and a representative of her community's collective interests, "The greater Toledo area had the privilege of being represented by Marigene Valiquette for 24 years. A true pioneer for women, the labor movement, and residents across the state, she consistently fought for a better Ohio. She has left a legacy of advocacy that will continue to inspire me and future Toledo area legislators," Rogers conveyed in an interview with Ohiohouse.gov.
Emphasizing the profound influence Valiquette had on women’s engagement in public service, State Rep. Munira Abdullahi acknowledged her unyielding pursuit of progressive policies and her role as a beacon for future generations of female leaders saying, "Today, we honor a remarkable leader whose dedication and service have left an indelible mark on Ohio. As the longest-serving female legislator, she not only shaped policy but inspired countless women to pursue public service. Her unwavering commitment and powerful achievements have paved the way for future generations of women. I can’t imagine what it was like to sometimes be the ONLY woman in the room advocating for critical policies. We owe her much and hope to honor her legacy with the work that we do today," Rep. Abdullahi's tribute was echoed in the statement obtained by Ohiohouse.gov.
