2024 -- H 8053

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LC005692

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE DEBORAH J.

KELSO

     Introduced By: Representatives Shanley, Tanzi, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Place,
Kennedy, O'Brien, Batista, Fogarty, and McEntee

     Date Introduced: March 12, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House of Representatives has learned of the

passing of Deborah J. Kelso of Wakefield. She was born in Warwick and was the beloved wife of

the late Honorable James A. Kelso, a former member of the Rhode Island House of

Representatives; and

     WHEREAS, Deborah Kelso graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree

in journalism, a field that helped prepare her for important discussions on the vexing issues of the

day, and effectively amplify her voice in support of various causes, which she successfully did

throughout her life; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Kelso was a hardworking woman who strove daily to provide for her

family and loved ones. She worked most of her professional career as the managing partner of the

Coast Guard House Restaurant before she accepted the position as the Director of the

Narragansett Chamber of Commerce; and

     WHEREAS, To the good fortune of the citizens of South Kingstown, Deborah Kelso was

elected to two terms on the South Kingstown Town Council where she served with abiding

integrity and shined a light on the important issues the Town was facing; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Kelso was heavily involved in civic affairs for her entire life and was

always giving back to the community. She was a member of the Narragansett Lions Club for

many years, and was an elected member of the Rhode Island Democratic Committee. She was a

tireless advocate in support of social justice causes and believed in true equality for everyone; and

     WHEREAS, Deborah Kelso leaves behind her children, Carrie Kelly and her husband,

Zachary Saul, Erica Breault and her husband, David, and Andrew Jennings, and her

grandchildren, Ava Mongillo, and Brooks Saul. She also leaves behind her siblings, Susan

Salisbury and her husband, Lee, Dottie Santagata, Steven Gray and his wife, Maureen, and

Robert Gray, as well as her best friend, Toni Owens and her husband, Andy. She is also survived

by many nieces and nephews, and was preceded in death by her husband, the Honorable James

M. Kelso, her brother Wilton Gray, and her sister, Judy Emrick and her husband, Corky; now,

therefore be it

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

expresses its condolences on the passing of the Honorable Deborah J. Kelso; and be it further

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

transmit duly certified copies of resolutions to Carrie Kelly, Erica Breault and Andrew Jennings.

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LC005692

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