2025 -- H 5061

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING RUTH ANN MADSEN FOR HER SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF RHODE

ISLAND ON THE OCCASION OF HER PASSING

     Introduced By: Representatives Stewart, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Morales,
Cruz, Alzate, Kislak, Sanchez, and Tanzi

     Date Introduced: January 15, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Ruth Ann Madsen, who was affectionately known as “Diamond”, was a

beloved and fierce advocate for people experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island. She was

deeply committed to helping those around her have a better life, and worked tirelessly to provide

shelter for her unhoused neighbors, and when no shelter was available, she worked to ensure that

those living outside had what they needed — warm clothes, sleeping bags, tents and other

necessary supplies; and

     WHEREAS, Ms. Madsen was a stalwart volunteer with many organizations including,

the George Wiley Center in Pawtucket, the community organization Direct Action for Rights and

Equality in Providence, the Rhode Island Poor People's Campaign, and at the Mathewson Street

United Methodist Church in Providence, where she was known for distributing winter jackets and

socks, and assisting with the Friendship Breakfast, a Sunday morning meal and prayer service

intended for those in need; and

     WHEREAS, Ms. Madsen was also a longtime member of the Tenderloin Opera

Company, a theater and music group that aims to tell the story of homelessness in Rhode Island

through writing, music, and performance; and

     WHEREAS, Ms. Madsen passed away on December 18, 2024, at the age of 56 at Miriam

Hospital in Providence; and

     WHEREAS, Ms. Madsen was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She was adopted by her father,

Bruce Madsen of Trumbull, Connecticut, where she was raised, and later graduated from

Trumbull High School, became a talented figure skater and equestrian competitor, and developed

a love for animals especially horses, often taking in stray cats and dogs; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to her father, Bruce Madsen, Ms. Madsen is survived by her son,

Davon Middleton of Bridgeport, Connecticut, her daughter, LaShaun Middleton of Hartford,

Connecticut, and her beloved grandchildren, Jamal J. Middleton, Leilani S. Middleton and

Thursday Arabella Thompson. She is also survived by her siblings, Lorraine “Asia” Gonzalez of

Providence, Tracy Cosby of Cranston, Stephanie “Blue” Wells of Providence, Joshua Madsen of

Florida, Howard Crosby of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Eric Wells of Woonsocket; now,

therefore be it

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

honors Ruth Ann “Diamond” Madsen for her tireless and selflessness efforts working with

unhoused Rhode Islanders. May her life inspire us to do better to ensure that all within our State

live with dignity; 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 Kevin Simon, Director of Outreach and

Communications, Mathewson Street United Methodist Church.

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