2026 -- S 3268

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF PAMELA F. KELLEY

     Introduced By: Senator Dawn M. Euer

     Date Introduced: May 06, 2026

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Pamela

F. Kelley, a beloved member of the Newport community; and

     WHEREAS, Pamela F. Kelley was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and raised in the

nearby town of Washington, the daughter of Paul and Harriet Ford and sister to Ingrid, and

throughout her life she maintained a deep appreciation for her mother’s Swedish heritage; and

     WHEREAS, A gifted student with a keen intellect, Pamela graduated from Sweet Briar

College in 1967 with a degree in mathematics, thereafter embarking on a successful career as a

computer programmer before pursuing her passion for law; and

     WHEREAS, She earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law and

served with distinction at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, demonstrating her

intelligence, diligence, and commitment to public service; and

     WHEREAS, In 1971, she married her beloved husband, Brendan Kelley, whom she had

met in New York City, and together they shared a life enriched by travel, entrepreneurship, and a

deep love of sailing; and

     WHEREAS, A pivotal chapter in her life began with a move to Paris in 1980, where she

discovered a passion for French lace, inspiring her to found Rue de France, a successful catalog

merchandising business that reflected her creativity and business acumen; and

     WHEREAS, Pamela and Brendan ultimately made their home in Newport, where she

became deeply engaged in the civic and cultural life of the community, contributing her time and

leadership to numerous organizations, including the Newport Historical Society, the Newport

Public Library, The Point Association, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, and The Island Cemetery; and

     WHEREAS, As President of The Island Cemetery, Pamela F. Kelley devoted herself

tirelessly to the preservation and enhancement of this historic resting place, overseeing a major

expansion and the restoration of the long-neglected Belmont Chapel, thereby leaving a lasting

legacy for future generations; and

     WHEREAS, Known for her warmth, generosity, and gift for friendship, Pam cherished

her family deeply, maintaining close bonds with her sister Ingrid, her husband Brendan’s

extended family, and her many nieces, nephews, and their families, each of whom will forever

treasure their memories of her; and

     WHEREAS, Pamela F. Kelley was predeceased by her devoted husband, Brendan

Kelley, and her parents, Paul and Harriet Ford, and she leaves behind a legacy of

accomplishment, service, and love that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest

condolences on the passing of Pamela F. Kelley and recognizes her extraordinary contributions to

her community and her enduring legacy of service and kindness; 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 the family of Pamela F. Kelley.

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