New London — Barbara Ramus Major, the city’s longtime Republican registrar of voters and former Board of Education member, has died.

“Barbara was obviously a very dedicated public servant who cared very much about New London,” Republican Town Committee Chairman Bill Vogel said. “She was the kind of person who dealt very nicely with people. She was an enthusiastic, effervescent and friendly person.”

Vogel said Major cared deeply for her friends, “and everybody was her friend.”

In addition to working as a registrar of voters — a job she held for almost 20 years — Major also served two terms on the Board of Education, was secretary of New London Little League, was a coordinator for the New London High School football camp and was a member of the New London Lodge of Elks and the Kiwanis Club of New London.

“There is no one in New London who typified Whaler Pride more than Barbara Major,” Democratic Registrar of Voters William Giesing said. “She put her heart into New London, and this city is a better place for it.”

Giesing, who worked alongside Major for about nine years, said Major excelled at making contacts and organizing to make sure Election Day went off without a hitch.

“So many elections went off very smoothly because of Barbara,” he said.

Major was married to Tommie Major, director of the city’s recreation department, former football player and longtime high school football coach, and had five children.

New London High School Principal Thomas “Tommy” Thompson said Major “was all about the kids” and a huge supporter of the high school football program.

“She would actually cook a pregame dinner for the players and coaches before every game,” Thompson said. “She was a New London grad full of Whaler pride. It was a natural instinct for her to give back, and this is how she did it.”

Thompson said Major was always there to ensure the football program continued to flourish.

“She would run around seeking donations from local restaurants and help raise money for booster clubs. Whatever she could do to help kids, she would do,” Thompson said.

“Barbara had an unyielding love for New London and its people,” Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said. “I will miss her very much.”

Staff writer Greg Smith contributed to this report.

c.young@theday.com