Gladys Spellman - Coma, Death and Honors

Coma, Death and Honors

On November 1, 1980, Spellman collapsed at a campaign appearance at the Laurel Mall after suffering an incapacitating heart attack. She was re-elected to Congress on November 4, 1980, but it soon became clear that she would be comatose for the remaining years of her life.

In the first weeks of the 97th Congress, the House passed a resolution providing for Spellman's pay as if she had been seated, and for her Congressional office to be supported as if a member of Congress had died or resigned (H.Res. 41, January 27, 1981); and afterwards passed an act declaring the 5th District seat vacant, and providing that Spellman's pay and administrative support would be terminated on the election of someone to her seat (H.Res. 80, February 24, 1981). It is the only time that medical reasons have resulted in the House of Representatives declaring a seat vacant. Democrat Steny Hoyer won the special election on May 19. Hoyer has continued to be re-elected since then, and eventually became House Majority Leader.

In 1985, Spellman was an inductee to the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame. The Baltimore–Washington Parkway, a scenic north-south highway in Maryland, is dedicated to Spellman, as is Gladys Noon Spellman Elementary School, located in Cheverly, Maryland.

Spellman died June 19, 1988.