Friend,
This has been a difficult week for our Senate family as we mourn the loss of our beloved Maryellen Goodwin. But as we grieve together, we also celebrate Maryellen’s life and legacy as a public servant.
During Tuesday’s session, colleagues past and present gathered in the Senate Chamber as we adopted a resolution honoring Maryellen’s countless contributions to the Senate and our entire State. Today, we wanted to share some of the words and memories from those proceedings, which brought tears and laughter alike.
“Senator Goodwin truly represented the best of Rhode Island,” Governor Dan McKee told those present. “We are a better state because of her. And I know that her legacy will live on for generations to come, because I know that many of you admired her so much that you’re going to keep her memory alive.”
Speaker Joe Shekarchi, bringing condolences on behalf the House of Representatives, described Maryellen as “the epitome of what a good legislator should be.”
“She lived it every day … She loved this building, she loved this institution,” he said.
“When I think of the Rhode Island Senate, I think of Maryellen Goodwin,” Senator Sue Sosnowski said. “She was the consummate senator – dedicated, hardworking, energetic, respectful, tenacious. But she was the ultimate public servant for her district, for the Senate, and for our state.”
“As a friend, mentor, leader, and trailblazer, she embodied all that was good in public service,” Senator Sandra Cano said.
Unsurprisingly to those who knew her, Maryellen’s sharp wit and amazing sense of humor were a frequent focus.
“Man, was she funny,” Senator Frank Lombardi said. “No matter the subject up here … Maryellen’s humor was a welcome solace for all of us.”
Senator Walter Felag remembered Maryellen as a “fun person” – one who, when coming to the State House, legislators
“You wanted to see her, you wanted to be greeted by her, because she always had that infectious smile, that diligent wit, and she was always having something positive to say to you,” he said.
Senator Josh Miller told the Chamber that prior to the session, he’d overheard someone say of Maryellen’s passing: “The Senate just lost its sense of humor.”
“I make a commitment, like many others … to make sure that statement is not true, and we all attempt to elevate our sense of humor, even on a day like today,” he said.
Others spoke to Maryellen’s extraordinary heart, and how she touched their lives and the lives of so many others.
“She is the strongest person I know,” Senator Frank Lombardo said during a moving tribute. “She taught me to be strong, to have faith, to never give up, and to embrace every second of life.”
Quoting Kristen Silvia, our Legislative Director and a close friend of Maryellen’s, Senator Lou DiPalma added: “‘If everybody had a Maryellen in their life, the whole world would be a better place.’ I think it says it all.”
We want to thank the Governor, Speaker, and many former Senators who took part in this week’s remembrance. We are also deeply grateful to our extended Senate family and the entire Rhode Island community for the incredible outpouring of support in the day’s since Maryellen’s passing. We know Maryellen’s loved ones appreciate it, too.
Maryellen, we will miss you dearly. Thank you for sharing your light and love with us. Your memory, and the powerful difference you’ve made, will long endure across Smith Hill, Providence, and all of Rhode Island.
Sincerely,
Donny and Ryan