Former Greenwich First Selectwoman dies

GREENWICH, Conn. (WTNH) -- Former Greenwich First Selectwoman Ruth L. Sims has passed away.

Sims served as the First Selectwoman from 1977 to 1981.

The town's current First Selectman, Peter J. Tesei, asked that flags at Greenwich Town Hall be lowered to half-staff in her honor.

A condolence book will be placed in the foyer of Town Hall for people who wish to express their sympathy to the Sims family.

She was the first woman in town history to be elected to the position. She was also the first Democrat to serve in 72 years. The following year, she became the first full time Chief Elected Official after the charter amendments.

Sims served as President of both the local and State of Connecticut League of Women Voters, served on the boards of directors of the Connecticut Women's Bank and the Southern New England Telephone Company, the Representative Town Meeting and the Greenwich High School P.T.A.