HOUSE RESOLUTION EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE HELEN STASIA TAYLOR

H7828

2026 -- H 7828
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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
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WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the passing of the
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Honorable Helen Stasia Taylor, a former Warwick City Councilwoman and dedicated public
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servant. She was the loving mother of Sheri H. Conley and her husband, Peter, and Kelly Taylor
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and her husband, Jason Oliver. She was also the beloved partner of the late, Leo W. Garrity, who
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was the love of her life and with whom she shared fifty-one years of devoted companionship prior
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to his passing in 2024; and
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WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, Helen was the oldest of two daughters born
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to the late Earl J. and Stasia H. Martin, and the sister of the late Irene Engley. Her family brought
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her great joy and was always her most important cause. In addition to her beloved children, she
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will be sorely missed by her cherished grandchildren, Taylor and Brandon Conley, and her
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nephews, Charles “Chuck” Engley and David Engley, who she thought more of as sons; and
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WHEREAS, A proud graduate of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School and the
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University of Rhode Island, Helen’s poise and talent led her to model for Seventeen Magazine, an
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experience that later inspired her leadership in organizing the Miss West Bay and Miss Rhode
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Island Pageants; and
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WHEREAS, An entrepreneur throughout her life, Helen founded and operated numerous
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successful businesses across Rhode Island, including Pizza Villa, Forget-Me-Not Flower Shoppe,
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The Pink Tulip, Weddings Made in Heaven, and Lily’s + Lace, the latter of which received the
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“Proud Business Award” from Keep Providence Beautiful in 1991. She also established Tropical

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Interiors, providing interior landscape and design services to businesses throughout the State,
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most notably transforming the Warwick Mall with her seasonal and holiday designs; and
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WHEREAS, Deeply committed to civic life, Helen served on numerous boards, including
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the Rhode Island Historical Society, Keep Providence Beautiful, and the Rhode Island Heart
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Association, where she organized fundraisers and served as auction chair for the Heart Ball; and
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WHEREAS, Among her many pioneering accomplishments, Helen was one of the first
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women elected to the Providence Rotary Club and went on to become the first female President
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of the Providence Sunrise Rotary Club. She was also an active member and later President of the
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West Bay chapter of the League of Women Voters; and
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WHEREAS, Inspired by her lifelong interest in public affairs, Helen served with
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distinction as a Warwick City Councilwoman from 2003 through 2010, during which time she
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undertook a study of the environmental and public health impacts of emissions from T. F. Green
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Airport on surrounding neighborhoods and businesses; and
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WHEREAS, Her dedication to civic engagement extended beyond local office, as she
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served as an honorary campaign manager for Congressman Eddie Beard and, in 2012, was elected
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as a statewide delegate representing Rhode Island at the Democratic National Convention in
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Charlotte, North Carolina, where she had the opportunity to meet several well-known leaders; and
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WHEREAS, Despite her many professional and civic accomplishments, Helen’s greatest
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pride and deepest joy were found in her family, for whom she was a fierce advocate, steadfast
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supporter, and constant source of love and encouragement; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Honorable Helen Stasia Taylor
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and honors her legacy of public service, entrepreneurship, and unwavering devotion to her family
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and community; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Sheri Conley, Kelly Taylor and Family.
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