2026 -- H 7510

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LC004822

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF RUTH ANN DESMARAIS

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale,
Kennedy, Ajello, Tanzi, Shallcross Smith, Fellela, and Boylan

     Date Introduced: February 05, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Desmarais, the beloved wife of the late Archie Desmarais, and the devoted mother of Susan

Thompson and her husband, Mark; and

     WHEREAS, Ruth Desmarais was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, the daughter of the

late Manuel and Frances Rebello, and the sister of the late Lorraine Sousa Williams, Robert

Rebello and his partner, Janet Aurelio, Jean Carroll and her late husband, Timothy, and John

Rebello and his wife, Sharon. She also had a large and loving extended family including her

nephews, Justin and Jordan Rebello, and her niece and nephew, Cathi-Jo Finnerty and Walter

Sousa Jr, as well as many additional nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and

     WHEREAS, Selfless and kind, Mrs. Desmarais’ “unwavering commitment to her family”

created a warm and loving home, where she took great pleasure in hosting annual Christmas Eve

gatherings, and spoiling her beloved grandchildren, Rebecca, Raffaella, and Zachary Thompson,

and her little dog, Nala; and

     WHEREAS, Guided by her faith, Mrs. Desmarias was a devout parishioner of St.

Margaret Church where she taught CCD, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also coached

Rumford Little League girls’ softball teams. Ruth was a diehard New York Yankees fan and

rarely missed watching a game; and

     WHEREAS, Ruth was a trusted, valued, hard-working, and beloved staff member of the

House of Representatives for 11 years. She served as executive assistant to Speaker Gordon Fox

and to House Finance Chairs. She also worked as a Legal Secretary at the Al DiFiore Law Office

for thirty-five years. Throughout her service at both the State House and as a Legal Secretary,

she “took great pride in being someone others relied on”. A steadfast Democrat, Ruth's dedication

to public service and her party's principles was unwavering and reflected in all aspects of her

professional and personal life. She was a strong, loyal, smart, responsive, and dedicated

employee. Her coworkers appreciated her candor, toughness, and sense of humor. She had the

ability to be refreshingly blunt. Yet, she was extremely compassionate and had a heart of gold;

and

     WHEREAS, The matriarch of her family, Ruth Desmarais was faith-filled, intelligent,

strong-willed, resilient, and truly beloved by all who knew her, and she is dearly missed; now,

therefore be it

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

extends deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Ruth Ann Desmarais; 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 Susan Thompson and Family.

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LC004822

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