2026 -- S 2069

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LC004038

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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 DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BARBARA DENNEN

     Introduced By: Senator Ryan W. Pearson

     Date Introduced: January 14, 2026

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

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

Dennen, the beloved wife of William Dennen for sixty years and the devoted mother of Susan

Dennen and her husband, Paul Sullivan, Karen Cabatingan and her husband, Mark, and Bill

Dennen and his wife, Megan; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Dennen was the daughter of the late John and Irene Balbaton, and the

sister of Richard Balbaton. She was born and raised in the City of Central Falls and was a

graduate of Notre Dame Junior High School and Central Falls High School. She is survived by a

loving extended family, her aunt, Therese St. Hilaire, and many in-laws, cousins, nieces,

nephews, and myriad lifelong friends; and

     WHEREAS, With a "larger-than-life personality", Mrs. Dennen held many occupations

and gathered many friendships throughout her life. She began in the money room at Ann & Hope,

where she met the love of her life and future husband, and in the 1970s, they ran a successful

small business, making terrariums. She later worked at Health-Tex, and was also a substitute

teacher's aide in the Cumberland schools; and

     WHEREAS, Barbara and William married in 1965, and together they made their home in

the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood of Cumberland. Her home was warm and welcoming, and she

loved doting on her family, particularly as "Grammy" to her six cherished grandchildren, Andrew

and his partner, Elyse, David and his wife, Rainbow, and Molly and her fiancé, Liam, Annie

Sullivan, and Henry and Owen Dennen; and

     WHEREAS, With "a gift for making others feel comfortable and valued", Mrs. Dennen

stayed in close contact with her friends and those she loved throughout her life, attending various

events, hosting an annual July 4th cookout, Christmas Eve celebrations, playing cards and board

games with family and friends, and connected through her iPad in her later years. She also

enjoyed her pets, her beautiful gardens, birds, New England sports, music, and movies; and

     WHEREAS, The most fitting tribute to Barbara Dennen is a celebration of her beautiful

life and the wonderful memories she leaves to those who were fortunate to have had her in their

lives; now, therefore be it

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

sympathy and condolences to the family of Barbara Dennen; 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 William Dennen and Family.

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LC004038

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