2025 -- H 5148

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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

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SYLVIA "SIGGY"

WEBER, BELOVED PSYCHIATRIC NURSE LEADER, HEALER, AND VETERAN OF THE

AIR FORCE AND U.S. ARMY RESERVES

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Bennett, Chippendale,
Baginski, Finkelman, Casimiro, Solomon, Edwards, and Donovan

     Date Introduced: January 23, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Sylvia "Siggy"

Weber, who on September 7, 2024, at the age of 85, departed this life after courageously battling

an insidious illness. Sylvia was an extraordinary psychiatric nurse, healer, and dedicated veteran

who served her country with honor in the Air Force and U.S. Army Reserves. Her unwavering

commitment to helping others was evident throughout her remarkable life, and she leaves behind

a legacy of compassion, strength, and healing; and

     WHEREAS, Born in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Sylvia was the cherished daughter of the

late Harry and Ida (Zuckerman) Weber. Her family was central to her heart, and she leaves

behind her beloved older sister, Estelle (Weber) Beckerman, her sister-in-law Bernice Weber, her

devoted daughters Ilene (Weber) Schulenberger and her husband Ray, and Susan (Weber)

Tashian, whose tireless care, along with her son Zachary, surrounded Sylvia in love during her

final months. Sylvia adored her grandchildren Samantha, Genna, Zachary, and Jack, who brought

her immense joy and pride; and

     WHEREAS, Sylvia's passion for nursing began early, and she pursued her education with

dedication, earning her Diploma in Nursing from Kings Point Hospital, a BSN from New York

University, and an MSN from UCLA. Her deep desire to heal and help led her to Rhode Island in

1972, where she made her home and continued her career, touching countless lives through her

fifty years of private practice in psychiatric counseling. She was a true beacon of hope to all who

sought her guidance; and

     WHEREAS, Sylvia's influence extended far beyond her private practice. As the in-

service director at Butler Hospital and a guest lecturer at the University of Rhode Island and

Rhode Island College, she generously shared her knowledge and inspired future generations of

psychiatric nurses. Her colleagues and students will remember her not just for her wisdom, but

for her kindness and humanity; and

     WHEREAS, A champion of environmental justice and social equality, Sylvia was a

fierce advocate who committed herself to causes that protected our planet and the rights of

individuals. She was deeply involved in the Rhode Island State Nurses Association, where she

served in numerous leadership roles, and she was instrumental in advancing environmental safety

in nursing practice. Her work was widely recognized, including her induction into the Rhode

Island State Nurses Association Hall of Fame in 2011; and

     WHEREAS, Beyond her professional achievements, Sylvia was a healer in the truest

sense. As a longtime practitioner and teacher of Therapeutic Touch, she helped ease the suffering

of many through her hands and heart. Her healing gifts, combined with her unshakeable belief in

the sacred balance of the universe, left a profound impact on everyone she encountered. She was

a woman who "talked the talk and walked the walk," in both her professional life and her deeply

personal spiritual journey; and

     WHEREAS, Sylvia lived a life full of love, kindness, and generosity. She was a

trailblazer, a woman of many firsts-becoming the first single woman in Rhode Island to be

granted a mortgage and to adopt children. She was a devoted friend to many, opening her home

and heart to those in need, and always offering support with no expectation of anything in return.

Her voice, whether cheering for the New England Patriots or championing her community, will

be dearly missed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives extends its deepest sympathies to the

family of Sylvia "Siggy" Weber. Her life of selfless service, boundless compassion, and

unwavering dedication to healing and justice has left an indelible mark on our community and on

the many hearts she touched; and be it further

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

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Ilene Schulenberger, Susan Tashian, and Estelle

Beckerman.

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