Former Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who took over the office to become the second female governor in state history after her predecessor resigned amid a corruption scandal, has died. She was 78.

She was lieutenant governor when her boss, Gov. John G. Rowland, resigned in a corruption scandal. The second woman to lead the state, she was later elected in her own right.

Former Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who became the second female governor in the state after her running mate, Gov. John G. Rowland, resigned amid a corruption scandal, died Wednesday following a brief illness at a Florida hospital. She was 78.