2026 -- H 7828

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LC005903

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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 THE HONORABLE

HELEN STASIA TAYLOR

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, McNamara,
Solomon, Shanley, Bennett, Kennedy, Ajello, and Shallcross Smith

     Date Introduced: February 26, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Honorable Helen Stasia Taylor, a former Warwick City Councilwoman and dedicated public

servant. She was the loving mother of Sheri H. Conley and her husband, Peter, and Kelly Taylor

and her husband, Jason Oliver. She was also the beloved partner of the late, Leo W. Garrity, who

was the love of her life and with whom she shared fifty-one years of devoted companionship prior

to his passing in 2024; and

     WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, Helen was the oldest of two daughters born

to the late Earl J. and Stasia H. Martin, and the sister of the late Irene Engley. Her family brought

her great joy and was always her most important cause. In addition to her beloved children, she

will be sorely missed by her cherished grandchildren, Taylor and Brandon Conley, and her

nephews, Charles “Chuck” Engley and David Engley, who she thought more of as sons; and

     WHEREAS, A proud graduate of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School and the

University of Rhode Island, Helen’s poise and talent led her to model for Seventeen Magazine, an

experience that later inspired her leadership in organizing the Miss West Bay and Miss Rhode

Island Pageants; and

     WHEREAS, An entrepreneur throughout her life, Helen founded and operated numerous

successful businesses across Rhode Island, including Pizza Villa, Forget-Me-Not Flower Shoppe,

The Pink Tulip, Weddings Made in Heaven, and Lily’s + Lace, the latter of which received the

“Proud Business Award” from Keep Providence Beautiful in 1991. She also established Tropical

Interiors, providing interior landscape and design services to businesses throughout the State,

most notably transforming the Warwick Mall with her seasonal and holiday designs; and

     WHEREAS, Deeply committed to civic life, Helen served on numerous boards, including

the Rhode Island Historical Society, Keep Providence Beautiful, and the Rhode Island Heart

Association, where she organized fundraisers and served as auction chair for the Heart Ball; and

     WHEREAS, Among her many pioneering accomplishments, Helen was one of the first

women elected to the Providence Rotary Club and went on to become the first female President

of the Providence Sunrise Rotary Club. She was also an active member and later President of the

West Bay chapter of the League of Women Voters; and

     WHEREAS, Inspired by her lifelong interest in public affairs, Helen served with

distinction as a Warwick City Councilwoman from 2003 through 2010, during which time she

undertook a study of the environmental and public health impacts of emissions from T. F. Green

Airport on surrounding neighborhoods and businesses; and

     WHEREAS, Her dedication to civic engagement extended beyond local office, as she

served as an honorary campaign manager for Congressman Eddie Beard and, in 2012, was elected

as a statewide delegate representing Rhode Island at the Democratic National Convention in

Charlotte, North Carolina, where she had the opportunity to meet several well-known leaders; and

     WHEREAS, Despite her many professional and civic accomplishments, Helen’s greatest

pride and deepest joy were found in her family, for whom she was a fierce advocate, steadfast

supporter, and constant source of love and encouragement; now, therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Honorable Helen Stasia Taylor

and honors her legacy of public service, entrepreneurship, and unwavering devotion to her family

and community; 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 Sheri Conley, Kelly Taylor and Family.

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