2025 -- H 5065

========

LC000527

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SISTER JOAN ROKICKI,

RSM

     Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kennedy,
Azzinaro, Perez, Kislak, Hull, and Handy

     Date Introduced: January 15, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Joan Rokicki, RSM, a Sister of Mercy from Providence. Sister Joan Rokicki was born in New

Bedford, Massachusetts, to the late Walter and Mary Rokicki; and

     WHEREAS, Sister Joan Rokicki was a woman of deep Christian faith who was much

admired and loved by all who knew her. She graduated from St. Mary Academy Bayview and

attained degrees from Mercy College and Boston College. Sister Rokicki began her ministry and

inspiring life of public service as an elementary school teacher, to be followed by a period of time

where she served as a special needs teacher. She had a special knack for communicating

effectively with her pupils and inspiring them to reach for the stars while never forgetting the

needs of others around them; and

     WHEREAS, Following her teaching career, Sister Rokicki began a 40 year ministry at

McAuley House, a Community Center of McAuley Ministries, that offers a place of hope and

enrichment to the poor, by offering much needed food, spiritual sustenance, and art enrichment

programs as well as other basic necessities such as transportation assistance, housing referrals,

counselling services and emergency telephone access in a safe and always affirming environment.

Through her ministry, Sister Rokicki touched the hearts of many and made a positive difference

in the lives of countless people in need living on the margins of life; and

     WHEREAS, Sister Rokicki recently celebrated her 70th Anniversary as a Sister of Mercy

in September of 2024. Sister Rokicki was a passionate social justice advocate who will be

remembered fondly by her loved ones, many friends, and all whose lives were made better thanks

to her tireless work and deep compassion for those in need. She was a faithful daughter of God

and a true inspiration to all who knew and admired her in her fulfillment of her vows of service to

people who suffer from poverty and lack of education; and

     WHEREAS, Sister Rokicki leaves behind her sister-in-law Phylis Rokicki, her niece

Gretl Plessinger Rokicki, her nephew Ryan Rokicki, her great-nephews Michael Plessinger and

Ayden Rokicki, as well as her dear friends Sally Ewalt and Liz McGrath. She was predeceased by

her brother Michael Rokicki; now, therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences to the Rokicki Family on the passing of Sister Joan Rokicki,

RSM; 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 Phylis Rokicki and Family.

========

LC000527

========

LC000527 - Page 2 of 2