Christel Truglia

Christel Truglia was born in Schötmar, a quarter of Bad Salzuflen in present-day North Rhine-Westphalia, during the years before World War II.^[2] Her mother was an American who traveled to Germany and later married a German headwaiter, Christel's father.^[3] They married and had five children, Christel, her three sisters, and one brother. When Christel was three, Germany invaded Poland, sparking World War II in Europe. Years later, when other countries began bombing Europe, one was dropped on the house next door to Christel's home. It did not go off, but her family had to move into a smaller home. At the age of eight, her father died, and three years later, Christel and her family traveled from Germany to Darien, Connecticut where Christel attended Darien public schools. She received a high school diploma, but did not take her education further.

Truglia was elected into office as a state representative in 1988, where she remained undefeated during elections for the two decades during which she held office. As a state representative, Christel was appointed to be the assistant Majority Leader.^[4] Truglia was also placed on several legislative committees^[5] such as the Appropriations Committee, Human Services Committee, and the Select Committee on Children.