2026 -- S 2003

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LC003671

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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 SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MARY D. BURKE

     Introduced By: Senators Tikoian, Lawson, Raptakis, LaMountain, Britto, Felag, de la
Cruz, Euer, Patalano, and Quezada

     Date Introduced: January 08, 2026

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Mary D.

Burke, the beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Burke for 50 wonderful years, and the cherished

mother of Mary White and her husband, Bill, Michael Burke and his late wife, Diane, our friend

and colleague, the Honorable Senator John Burke, Stephen Burke, the Honorable Patrick Burke

and his wife, Bea, and Thomas Burke and his wife, Sherry Weitzen; and

     WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Town of West Warwick, Mrs. Burke was the

loving daughter of the late John and Helen Bannon, and the sister of Eleanor Keating, Sally

Graham, and the late John Bannon, Jr., James Bannon, and George Bannon. She also leaves

behind her sister-in-law Elizabeth Bannon and many dear nieces and nephews; and

     WHEREAS, For many years, Mrs. Bannon had been employed in the field of healthcare

where she had worked as a lab technician at Kent Hospital and the former Stat Lab, Inc. Her

leadership, devotion to others, and dedication to her profession had resulted in her promotion to

Director before her retirement in 1995; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Burke and her husband had created and nurtured a marriage that

flourished, a life rooted in faith, love, and service to their community, and a home that was warm

and welcoming. She doted on her family, particularly her grandchildren, Emma, Burke, Aiden,

Ethan, and Phoebe White; Billie Anne Burke; Terrance, Matthew, and Bryana Burke; and her

nine great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life and brought her immense joy; and

     WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Burke had been an active communicant of SS.

Peter and Paul Church, where she served for many years as Chairwoman of the parish’s cherished

Christmas Bazaar, as well as serving as President of the SS. Peter & Paul Rosary & Altar Guild.

She had previously been a parishioner of St. James Parish; and

     WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community, Mrs. Burke had been a member of the Red Hat

Society, served on the West Warwick Democratic Town Committee, and held a position on the

West Warwick Senior Center Board; and

     WHEREAS, Mary Burke possessed a vibrant spirit, generous heart, and sharp wit and

there is no doubt touched the lives and left an indelible mark on those she knew and loved, and

she will be dearly missed; now, therefore be it

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

condolences and sympathy to the family of Mary D. Bruke; and be it further

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

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mary White and Family, Michael Burke and

Family, the Honorable Senator John Burke, Stephen Burke, the Honorable Patrick Burke and

Family, and Thomas Burke and Family.

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LC003671

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