2024 -- S 2136

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF KATHERINE E. YOUNG

     Introduced By: Senators Tikoian, Felag, Zurier, F. Lombardi, and Britto

     Date Introduced: January 18, 2024

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of

Katherine E. Young, the beloved wife of Richard Young for fourteen years. She was born in

Providence, the daughter of Stephen and Cheryl Olszewski, and was the granddaughter of Dora

and the late Daniel Mulcahey, and the late Theodore and Olga Olszewski; and

     WHEREAS, Raised in Coventry, Katherine Young had a happy childhood, where she

developed an early love and appreciation for music and the game of soccer, which she played

recreationally. She graduated from Coventry High School and furthered her education at Gordon

College, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. She later attained a Master's

degree in Education from the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Young worked a variety of jobs and positions before she settled in

Rhode Island. A deeply caring and compassionate person, she volunteered with the Chikumbuso

organization and continued her charitable endeavors in support of Zambia by sponsoring multiple

young Zambian people as they navigated life and pursued educational endeavors; and

     WHEREAS, For the past ten years, Katherine Young has been a beloved teacher at

Smithfield High School, where she taught music, chorus, band, and theater. From her first days

on the job, she began making a positive impact at the school and in the community. She expanded

the music department, played a vital role in reviving the musical theater program at the High

School, and also contributed to the musical productions at the middle school; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Young's wide-ranging positive impact on Smithfield High School went

far beyond teaching. She was a trusted mentor and advisor to all of her students and was always

willing go the extra mile for them and their families. Her passion for music and teaching was

contagious and she made an indelible impression on the loves of all the students who were lucky

enough to have her as a teacher; and

     WHEREAS, In her free time, Mrs. Young loved cooking and hospitality. She enjoyed

cooking delicious meals for her family and many friends, and was a gracious and welcoming host

at numerous gatherings at her house. She also enjoyed paddle-boarding on a lake and soaking in

her hot tub; and

     WHEREAS, Katherine Young was a faithful Christian and was a member of the music

team at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Pawtucket, where she sang every Sunday morning. She

also took great pleasure and joy in coaching her son's soccer team and teaching her daughter how

to play the piano; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to her husband, Richard, Katherine Young leaves behind her

children, Remy and Ramona and her sister, Christina Wolf; and

     WHEREAS, Katherine Young was a shining star whose beacon burned brightly

throughout her life. She deeply loved her family, her pupils, and her many friends and she will

live forever in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved her; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its

condolences on the passing of Katherine E. Young; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Richard Young and Family.

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