2001 -- H 6285

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LC02797
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S  T  A  T  E     O  F     R  H  O  D  E     I  S  L  A  N  D    

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2001

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

EXTENDING SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF VIOLA LYNCH

Introduced By:  Representatives Bierman, Lanzi, Montanaro, Malik and McNamara Date Introduced:  March 29, 2001 Referred To:  Read and Passed

WHEREAS, It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learned of the passing of historic preservationist, Viola Lynch; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Lynch will forever be known in the City of Cranston as the woman who saved the most prominent historical property, the Sprague Mansion from being reduced to rubble. In 1966, the Sprague Mansion, home to two Rhode Island governors, was about to be destroyed with federal money allocated for elderly high-rise apartments. Attaining a reprieve from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Lynch became the spokeswoman for the movement that resulted in the city's preservation of the historic landmark. Along with many dedicated Cranston residents, and the support of city officials, Mrs. Lynch formed committees and organized numerous fund-raisers to save the mansion. Ultimately, the Cranston Historical Society purchased the mansion and Mrs. Lynch immediately set about the task of furnishing the home with historic pieces; and

WHEREAS, Viola Lynch and her husband Robert took over as innkeepers at the Nathaniel Porter Inn, in Warren about 10 years ago. They, along with their family, worked to restore the 18th Century building and began such popular traditions as Christmastime Yule Log celebrations and Twelfth Night dinners; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Lynch was an elegant and gracious woman whose warmth and charm turned strangers into friends. Her joy of life, love of family, compassion for others, and kind spirit are memories that will comfort those whose lives she touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies to the Lynch family on the passing of Viola B. Lynch and that she will forever be remembered by the citizens of the City of Cranston, the State of Rhode Island and this entire membership for her commitment to her community and concern for others; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mr. Robert Lynch.

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