Former Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who steadied the state after scandals that caused the resignation of Gov. John G. Rowland, died Wednesday in Florida at age 78. Rell died in a hospital after a brief illness,

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 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.