2013 -- H 5965

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LC02325

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARY C. O'BRIEN

     Introduced By: Representatives Ajello, and Fox

     Date Introduced: April 04, 2013

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Mary C.

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O’Brien, a beloved cousin, a devoted friend, a dedicated educator, and a well-respected former

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Deputy Superintendent of the Providence School Department; and

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     WHEREAS, Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Mary O’Brien was the daughter of the

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late Leo O'Brien and Mary Elizabeth McGuiggan.  She was a graduate of Classical High School,

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and received her Bachelor’s degree from Brown University and her Ph.D. in Education from

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Boston University; and

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     WHEREAS, Ms. O’Brien had a long and distinguished career in the Providence School

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Department.  In 1961, she began her career in education as a teacher in Providence’s public

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schools.  She was named principal of the Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School and was

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eventually promoted to the position of Deputy Superintendent of Providence Public Schools, a

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position she held until her retirement in 1990; and

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     WHEREAS, After leaving Providence, Ms. O’Brien began a new chapter of her life.  She

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served as Coordinator of Field Placement and Elementary Education at Salve Regina University

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in Newport until she once again retired in 2000; and

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     WHEREAS, An avid traveler, Ms. O’Brien enjoyed visiting many parts of the world. 

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One of her favorites had been the rolling green hills and valleys of Ireland, where she had often

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visited until the past few years; and

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     WHEREAS, Ms. O’Brien was also a dedicated volunteer who used her many skills and

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talents to the benefit of students and school administrations.  She was a member of the boards of

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both the San Miguel School in Providence and Bay View Academy in East Providence.  She

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enriched the lives of all who knew her and she will be greatly missed; now, therefore be

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

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Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies on the passing of Mary C.

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O’Brien; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Monahan Drabble, Sherman Funeral Home.

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LC02325

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