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S2003
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
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WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Mary D.
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Burke, the beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Burke for 50 wonderful years, and the cherished
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mother of Mary White and her husband, Bill, Michael Burke and his late wife, Diane, our friend
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and colleague, the Honorable Senator John Burke, Stephen Burke, the Honorable Patrick Burke
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and his wife, Bea, and Thomas Burke and his wife, Sherry Weitzen; and
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WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Town of West Warwick, Mrs. Burke was the
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loving daughter of the late John and Helen Bannon, and the sister of Eleanor Keating, Sally
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Graham, and the late John Bannon, Jr., James Bannon, and George Bannon. She also leaves
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behind her sister-in-law Elizabeth Bannon and many dear nieces and nephews; and
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WHEREAS, For many years, Mrs. Bannon had been employed in the field of healthcare
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where she had worked as a lab technician at Kent Hospital and the former Stat Lab, Inc. Her
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leadership, devotion to others, and dedication to her profession had resulted in her promotion to
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Director before her retirement in 1995; and
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WHEREAS, Mrs. Burke and her husband had created and nurtured a marriage that
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flourished, a life rooted in faith, love, and service to their community, and a home that was warm
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and welcoming. She doted on her family, particularly her grandchildren, Emma, Burke, Aiden,
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Ethan, and Phoebe White; Billie Anne Burke; Terrance, Matthew, and Bryana Burke; and her
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nine great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life and brought her immense joy; and
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WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Burke had been an active communicant of SS.
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Peter and Paul Church, where she served for many years as Chairwoman of the parish’s cherished
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Christmas Bazaar, as well as serving as President of the SS. Peter & Paul Rosary & Altar Guild.
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She had previously been a parishioner of St. James Parish; and
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WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community, Mrs. Burke had been a member of the Red Hat
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Society, served on the West Warwick Democratic Town Committee, and held a position on the
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West Warwick Senior Center Board; and
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WHEREAS, Mary Burke possessed a vibrant spirit, generous heart, and sharp wit and
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there is no doubt touched the lives and left an indelible mark on those she knew and loved, and
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she will be dearly missed; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby extends deepest
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condolences and sympathy to the family of Mary D. Bruke; and be it further
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RESOLED, 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 Mary White and Family, Michael Burke and
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Family, the Honorable Senator John Burke, Stephen Burke, the Honorable Patrick Burke and
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Family, and Thomas Burke and Family.
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LC003671
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