Trish Noel

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Trish Noel and Chairman Dan Ashley at a party dinner honoring her as Democratic "person of the year," June 2009.

Today's Times Union is full of sad news regarding the tragedy in Connecticut. It also includes the sad news of the passing of Trish Noel, a long time resident of North Greenbush who was a fixture in Democratic politics for years. She served as an elected Member of the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee and on the Executive Committee. Trish served on the Wynantskill School Board, as Town Clerk and followed State and National politics with passion.

Trish loved being a Democrat and was someone who you could count on for the unvarnished truth on any topic you might discuss. She will be missed and leaves a legacy of dedication to town Democrats that will be long remembered. Despite her failing health, she insisted on going to the polls last election day to vote. With all of challenges she was facing, she had not asked for an absentee ballot and still got to her polling place at Gardner Dickinson School. She apologized to the election workers for not bringing her usual gifts of cookies and other refreshments to help them through the long day. That's the kind of person she was and one of the many reasons she was endeared to so many.

We extend our prayers to her family and to all those affected by the tragedy in Connecticut. It's a good time to hug your kids and remember those things we have to be thankful for. Trish Noel was someone to be thankful for.