2026 -- H 7830

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LC005588

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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 SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF CAROL LEE CONNELL

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, McGaw,
Kennedy, McNamara, Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Phillips, and Bennett

     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 Carol Lee

Connell, the beloved wife of the late William Thomas Connell, who was the love of her life, and

the devoted mother of our friend and colleague, William Connell, Esq. and his wife, Diane,

Nancy Rippel and her husband, Brian, and Michael Connell; and

     WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, Mrs. Connell was the daughter of the late

Bernard and Helen Davol, and the cousin of Barbara Donahue. She was a proud graduate of

Warren High School; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Connell created a warm and welcoming home in Riverside, where she

resided for fifty-five years. She especially loved spending time with her precious grandchildren

and great-grandchild, who were her pride and joy, and the light of her life; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to her family, for thirteen years, Mrs. Connell had been

employed as a cashier at the former Almac’s Supermarket, where she always happily greeted

customers with a warm smile and a friendly hello. She had also generously donated her time as a

PTA officer for St. Raphael Academy; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Connell drew great strength, comfort, and guidance from her faith. She

was a devoted communicant of St. Brendan Church and had formerly been a parishioner of St.

Casimir Church; and

     WHEREAS, For many years, Mrs. Connell was a member of the Kendbrin Swim and

Tennis Club and greatly enjoyed spending time with her many friends and playing tennis. She

also found great happiness in relaxing days spent at Warren Beach, luncheons with dear friends,

and traveling with her family; and

     WHEREAS, Carol Connell will always be remembered “for her gentle spirit, unwavering

love for her family, and the kindness she extended to all who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the

hearts of those she touched”; now, therefore be it

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

extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of Carol Lee Connell;

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 William Connell, Esq. and Family, Nancy

Rippel and Family, and Michael Connell.

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LC005588

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