Blue Mass Group

Reality-based commentary on politics.

Debby Blumer

By

State Rep. Debby Blumer dies: Apparent heart attack while driving in Framingham

By Norman Miller and Emelie Rutherford/ Daily News Staff

Friday, October 13, 2006 – Updated: 02:59 PM EST

FRAMINGHAM- State Rep. Deborah Blumer died this morning after suffering an apparent heart attack while driving near the Loring Arena.
  Blumer, 64, was found by police after her 2004 Acura drove off Dudley Road at about 10:30 a.m., police said. The car lightly struck a wooden guardrail, police spokesman Lt. Paul Shastany said.
  Officer Eduardo Rivera was working a nearby detail and ran to the accident, Shastany said. He immediately began performing CPR on the unconscious Blumer.
  A second officer, Robert Tibor, rushed to the scene andused a defibrillator on her twice within a minute of the original call, Shastany said.
  “Within in a minute, she had the best care she could get, but sadly, it was too late,’’ Shastany said.
  Blumer was taken by ambulance to the MetroWest Medical Center’s Framingham Union Campus, where she was declared dead at 11:35 a.m.
  Blumer, a lifelong Democrat, was originally elected as a state representative in 2000 and was seeking a fourth term this year. She was running unopposed.
  Blumer was known as a tenacious and unapologetic champion of liberal causes. She fought to change the funding formula for charter schools, defended a failed push to grant illegal immigrants tuition breaks at state colleges and rejected calls to immediately lower the state income tax.
  “My approach is to do things on a positive basis and to try to do things better and to improve the things in the community we live in,” she said last month.
  Framimgham’s David Magnani, a former state lawmaker who met Blumer when she volunteered for his first campaign two decades ago, called the news of Blumer’s death “a punch to the stomach.” He hailed her for showing “absolutely unrelenting, positive energy … for all issues affecting women, children and vulnerable people in general.”
  “I don’t know of anybody in the Legislature I ever met who was more up to speed and informed about every possible issue and willing to put her personal energy on the line,” Magnani said. “We lost a real hero here.”
  State Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, said Blumer “threw her heart and soul into whatever she did.” Spilka noted Blumer’s commitment to fighting for more funding for early education and higher education, and to change how the state funds public K-12 schools.
  “She really helped improve the quality of life for people in her district, and she fought really hard for the causes she believed in,” Spilka said.
  Blumer won her House seat in November 2000 with 72 percent of the vote, filling the seat vacated by state Rep. John Stasik, D-Framingham.
  She held a bachelor’s degree in science from Framingham State College and a master’s degree in business administration from Simmons College.
  Before serving in the Legislature Blumer was a manager for Compaq Computer, Digital Equipment and Honeywell-Bull Information Systems.
  On Thursday Blumer joined state Reps. Thomas Sannicandro, D-Ashland, and David Linsky, D-Natick, at a gubernatorial campaign event for Democrat Deval Patrick outside Ken’s Steak House in Framingham. Blumer appeared in high spirits, joking with Linsky and a reporter.
  She defended Patrick’s support of allowing cities and towns to create local options taxes. Earlier in the day Blumer told another reporter at an education summit at Keefe Techabout how important it is for children to be inspired early on to explore their interests.

 

Please share widely!
fb-share-icon
Tweet
0

Comments

    • and I cannot express how sad I am. I have not known a legislator who was so accessible. She was my representative and my neighbor (2 blocks away)and acted like both. We talked about issues, about politics, about blogs. And I would venture a guess that the total number of conversations I had with her were maybe a dozen. The last was at a fund raiser for Deval. Before that at a Friday night concert on the Common. Before that over breakfast with her daughter where we talked about internet organizing and the blogs. She was always eager to learn.

      <

      p>
      To Irwin and the family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. She was a real mensch. 

      <

      p>
      I was so proud to have her as my representative. She will be missed.

  2. To Pablo and others,

    <

    p>
    I am Debby’s son, (as well as an avid reader of BMG)and I appreciate the kind words deeply. As we settle into the shock of what happened, I’d just like everyone to realize that her life was spent helping others and trying to make her town and the state the best it could be for all people. If she were here, she want everyone to stay active, to never give up, and to try to get people like Deval Patrick elected. Anything we can all do to make that happen would the most fitting legacy she could have ever asked for.

    <

    p>
    Thanks again,

    <

    p>
    -Adam Blumer

    • Adam — words cannot express the sadness — but our actions in your mother’s memory can.

      <

      p>
      Here’s a note from Kate Donahue:

      <

      p>
      Representative Deb Blumer passed away very suddenly on Friday of an apparent heart attack. We are shocked and saddened by her death.

      <

      p>
      She was an outstanding public servant, and a dedicated campaigner.  She was also a true friend.

      <

      p>
      Rep. Blumer’s funeral services will be held at 10:30 on Monday at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant Street in Framingham.

      <

      p>
      Deb was an ardent supporter of Deval Patrick.  She had spent the last months working tirelessly for Deval Patrick.  The Deval Patrick/Tim Murray”Rally for Change”  is Sunday, October 15 at 2:30 PM on Boston Common.  Please consider attending the rally in Boston as a way of honoring her memory.  See below for another announcement about a rally.

      <

      p>
      Deb’s husband was Irwin Blumer, 7 Ledgewood Road, Framingham, MA 01701.

      <

      p>
      Contributions in Rep. Blumer’s memory can be made to:
      Angel Fund 649 Main Street Wakefield, MA, 01880
      American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street Framingham, MA 01701
      Danforth Musem, 123 Union Ave, Framingham, MA 01702

      • spoken by another great lady and dedicated Democrat, Kate Donaghue.  Where would we be in Central Mass without her spirit, energy, and drive? 

    • Although I did not know your mother, I have read the words of those here who did and whose opinions I trust, and it seems to me we have lost a great lady.  My sincere condolences from northern Worcester County to you and your family. 

  3. Here’s what the Globe has to say about Debbie Blumer:

    <

    p>

    <

    blockquote>
    Deborah D. Blumer, 64, Framingham state representative
    By John C. Drake, Globe Staff  |  October 14, 2006

    <

    p>
    State Representative Deborah D. Blumer, a Framingham Democrat, died yesterday morning after suffering an apparent heart attack while driving in Framingham, authorities said.

    <

    p>
    Mrs. Blumer’s 2004 Acura ran off Dudley Road near Loring Arena around 10:15 a.m. and struck a guardrail, police said. A Framingham police officer who was working a detail was the first to arrive. A second officer administered CPR and used a portable defibrillator, said Lieutenant Paul Shastany, a police spokesman.

    <

    p>
    Mrs. Blumer was transported to Framingham Union Hospital, part of MetroWest Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 11:35 a.m., having never regained consciousness, said hospital spokeswoman Beth Donnelly.

    <

    p>
    Fellow lawmakers said that Mrs. Blumer worked hard on healthcare legislation, public education funding, and social services during her three terms in the House.

    <

    p>
    “Debbie was probably the hardest-working member of the House,” said Representative David Linsky, Democrat of Natick, who campaigned with Blumer Thursday. He said they held signs supporting Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deval Patrick outside Ken’s Steak House in Framingham, where Republican nominee Kerry Healey was holding a campaign event.

    <

    p>
    “There was no spin with Debbie Blumer,” Linsky said. “She told it like she saw it, and she had a lot of guts.”

    <

    p>
    US Representative Edward Markey, whose congressional district includes Framingham, said: “She combined the energy of a teenager and the wisdom of a grandmother when working on issues important to her district and her constituents, and her dedication to decency, social justice, and sound public policy will be greatly missed. The Town of Framingham has lost a great champion.”

    <

    p>
    Mrs. Blumer’s political involvement began a quarter-century ago with local schools as a member of the Parent Teacher Organization.

    <

    p>
    On Beacon Hill, Mrs. Blumer was one of the lead sponsors of new health insurance legislation. She also supported failed efforts to provide in-state tuition for illegal immigrants and to require soccer players to wear helmets. Friends said Mrs. Blumer also worked to make Framingham welcoming for a growing Brazilian immigrant population in the town.

    <

    p>
    “She did what she thought was right, and she was very passionate about that,” said her husband, Irwin Blumer, an education professor at Boston College. “It’s a tragedy and we’re all shocked. On the other hand, she led a great life, she helped lots of people, and that’s what she wanted to do.”

    <

    p>
    “Debbie was very instrumental in bringing the whole community together,” said Katie E. Murphy, president of the Framingham League of Women Voters. “She took a lot of grief for it, but she always stood up for principles, understanding that we work together as a community.”

    <

    p>
    Linsky and others said Blumer, 64, appeared to be in good health.

    <

    p>
    “Debbie was very buoyant and in high spirits,” said longtime friend Jerry Desilets, who attended a community meeting with Mrs. Blumer yesterday morning. “She was very excited about the upcoming elections. Debbie was totally dedicated to her causes and her candidates.”

    <

    p>
    Mrs. Blumer, a native of Chelsea, was running unopposed for a fourth term. Secretary of State William F. Galvin said in a statement that Mrs. Blumer’s name would remain on the Nov. 7 ballot and that some absentee ballots have already been mailed. Galvin’s spokesman, Brian McNiff, said whoever received the most write-in ballots on Election Day would win the seat.

    <

    p>
    Republicans and Democrats alike hailed Mrs. Blumer as a conscientious lawmaker.

    <

    p>
    Healey called Mrs. Blumer’s passing a “terrible loss,” saying that “Framingham has lost a loyal public servant and strong voice on Beacon Hill.”

    <

    p>
    “Deb was one of the best friends we had on this campaign, often working all day to accomplish whatever tasks needed to be done,” Patrick said in a statement. “She was an integral part of building our grassroots organization in the Framingham area and inspired others to do the same.”

    <

    p>
    In addition to her husband, Mrs. Blumer leaves two daughters, Lynne Beattie of Framingham and Marjorie Lemmon of Cromwell, Conn.; one son, Adam Blumer, of Framingham; and four grandchildren.

    <

    p>
    A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham.

  4. From the obituary, this wonderful little paragraph.

    “Debbie was probably the hardest-working member of the House,” said Representative David Linsky, Democrat of Natick, who campaigned with Blumer Thursday. He said they held signs supporting Democratic gubernatorial nominee Deval Patrick outside Ken’s Steak House in Framingham, where Republican nominee Kerry Healey was holding a campaign event.

    What style!  Holding Deval signs at a Kerry Healey event!

    <

    p>
    I know Debby was looking forward to serving with a progressive Democrat in the corner office..  She won’t be there to see the results of her hard work – it’s up to us to make it happen.

    <

    p>
    Get out there and do it for Debby!

  5. According to the Globe story:

    Secretary of State William F. Galvin said in a statement that Mrs. Blumer’s name would remain on the Nov. 7 ballot and that some absentee ballots have already been mailed. Galvin’s spokesman, Brian McNiff, said whoever received the most write-in ballots on Election Day would win the seat.

    I understand Framingham Democrats will be meeting in the next day or two to consider getting behind one write-in candidate.  It is essential that we unify quickly to ensure that Debby’s seat stays in friendly hands.

    <

    p>
    Debby has been a leading, passionate advocate for public schools  She has a statewide constituency for her work in public education.  I hope you select someone with the passion and knowledge to pick up her mantle and advance her work for the children of our state.

  6. My condolences to Deb’s family, to Irwin, Adam, Lynn and Marjorie.  I also extend my condolences to her constituents.  Debbie will be sadly missed.

    <

    p>
    Adam, as we grieved for your mother yesterday, we made a commitment to win this race, as a way of honoring her memory.  Thank you for taking the time to let people know how much this race meant to her.

    <

    p>
    As the note I sent before, that was posted above mentioned, consider attending the “Rally for Change” on Sunday, as a tribute to Deb.

    <

    p>
    MetroWestDem, thanks for sharing my e-mail.  LightIris, thank you for your kind words.  You are an asset to the Democratic efforts in Central Mass.

    <

    p>
    Deb Blumer was tireless public servant and campaigner.  The night before her death she was sitting at the Framingham HQ making ID calls for the Patrick Murray campaign.  Deb and I spoke on Thursday as we were planning for Tim Murray’s visit to Framingham, scheduled for Friday.  We spoke of the fundraising efforts she was leading for Deval Patrick. 

    <

    p>
    Deb had put her heart and soul into Deval Patrick’s campaign.  She was a regular at our phone banks. 

    <

    p>
    When I learned of her death on Friday, I had a phone bank scheduled for that evening.  While several events were cancelled, I made the decision to continue with the phone bank, for those who felt comfortable proceeding as planned.  The phone bank was held in her memory and in her honor.  We all felt it was what Deb would have wanted.  In our grief, we wanted to be with others who knew her, doing what she would have been doing.  It is a tribute to her that we had twenty-one people on the phones on a Friday evening.  Saturday morning I spoke with a friend of Deb’s who had been at the meeting she attended prior to her death.  Her parting comment to the group was an exhortation to hit the phones to get Deval Patrick and Tim Murray elected. 

    <

    p>
    I think of Deb sitting at a phone at a variety of campaign HQs over the years.  I remember as a regular at the Framingham conserts, stumping for Deval.  I have so many memories of her and her willingess to put her actions behind her words. I am grateful for her encouragement to me in my efforts over the years.

    <

    p>
    She will be deeply missed.

    <

    p>
    In sadness,

    <

    p>
    Kate

    <

    p> 

  7. Editorial, Saturday October 14

        Editorial: Blumer’s legacy of service
    Saturday, October 14, 2006 – Updated: 02:25 AM EST

      The death yesterday of state Rep. Deborah Blumer was sudden and shocking. She had so much energy, it is hard to imagine her still.   Blumer represented Framingham on Beacon Hill since 2000, but her service began long before that. She volunteered for town boards and political campaigns, neighborhood organizations and nonprofit groups. Her interest and expertise in education, health care and a host of other issues were well-established by the time she first sought political office.   She campaigned the old-fashioned way, knocking on doors from one end of her North Framingham district to the other. She listened closely and explained thoroughly. She may not always have gained her listeners’ votes, but she earned their respect.   Blumer was an atypical politician. Most candidates, even the safest incumbents, will fine tune their positions to earn favor with whomever they are addressing. Not Debby. She knew what she believed and she never backed off from a position she had embraced.   Nor did she retreat from controversy. She opposed cutting taxes, pushed for changes in the charter school funding formula, advocated for immigrants. It brought her pain when debate turned to hate, but it never stopped her from speaking her mind.   Blumer was one who thought globally and acted locally. Whether it was a war on the other side of the world or a charter proposal here in Framingham, she immersed herself in details and looked for ways she could make a difference.   In a host of areas, Debby Blumer has made a difference, touching countless lives in her community, her state, and the world beyond. Those achievements should bring some measure of comfort to the family and many friends she has suddenly left behind.

    <

    p>

    Blumer’s death casts uncertainty on election
    By D. Craig MacCormack/ Daily News Staff
    Sunday, October 15, 2006 – Updated: 01:26 AM EST

    FRAMINGHAM — With less than a month before the Nov. 7 election, the 6th Middlesex District seat held by the late Deborah Blumer is up for grabs, and could be won by anyone in the district with enough votes.   Blumer, 64, died yesterday morning after an apparent heart attack. The Democrat was running unopposed for her fourth two-year term and any votes cast for her will not count, according to Secretary of State William Galvin.   Additionally, Galvin said in a statement yesterday that it is too late for a replacement candidate to be put on the ballot. A spokesman for Galvin said the person who gets the most votes for Blumer’s seat, assuming the person is eligible and willing to serve, would be declared the winner on Election Day.   Republican Jim Rizoli fell short in his bid to get on the ballot when he failed to secure at least 150 write-in votes for Blumer’s seat in last month’s primary election.   Had Rizoli qualified for the ballot, he would have had a good chance of succeeding Blumer in the State House as the only named candidate on the ballot.   (Craig MacCormack can be reached at 508-626-4429 or cmaccorm@cnc.com.)

Archives