Read the full stored bill text
S3268
2026 -- S 3268
========
LC006400
========
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
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
1
WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Pamela
2
F. Kelley, a beloved member of the Newport community; and
3
WHEREAS, Pamela F. Kelley was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and raised in the
4
nearby town of Washington, the daughter of Paul and Harriet Ford and sister to Ingrid, and
5
throughout her life she maintained a deep appreciation for her mother’s Swedish heritage; and
6
WHEREAS, A gifted student with a keen intellect, Pamela graduated from Sweet Briar
7
College in 1967 with a degree in mathematics, thereafter embarking on a successful career as a
8
computer programmer before pursuing her passion for law; and
9
WHEREAS, She earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law and
10
served with distinction at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, demonstrating her
11
intelligence, diligence, and commitment to public service; and
12
WHEREAS, In 1971, she married her beloved husband, Brendan Kelley, whom she had
13
met in New York City, and together they shared a life enriched by travel, entrepreneurship, and a
14
deep love of sailing; and
15
WHEREAS, A pivotal chapter in her life began with a move to Paris in 1980, where she
16
discovered a passion for French lace, inspiring her to found Rue de France, a successful catalog
17
merchandising business that reflected her creativity and business acumen; and
18
WHEREAS, Pamela and Brendan ultimately made their home in Newport, where she
19
became deeply engaged in the civic and cultural life of the community, contributing her time and
20
leadership to numerous organizations, including the Newport Historical Society, the Newport
1
Public Library, The Point Association, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, and The Island Cemetery; and
2
WHEREAS, As President of The Island Cemetery, Pamela F. Kelley devoted herself
3
tirelessly to the preservation and enhancement of this historic resting place, overseeing a major
4
expansion and the restoration of the long-neglected Belmont Chapel, thereby leaving a lasting
5
legacy for future generations; and
6
WHEREAS, Known for her warmth, generosity, and gift for friendship, Pam cherished
7
her family deeply, maintaining close bonds with her sister Ingrid, her husband Brendan’s
8
extended family, and her many nieces, nephews, and their families, each of whom will forever
9
treasure their memories of her; and
10
WHEREAS, Pamela F. Kelley was predeceased by her devoted husband, Brendan
11
Kelley, and her parents, Paul and Harriet Ford, and she leaves behind a legacy of
12
accomplishment, service, and love that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her; now,
13
therefore be it
14
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest
15
condolences on the passing of Pamela F. Kelley and recognizes her extraordinary contributions to
16
her community and her enduring legacy of service and kindness; and be it further
17
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
18
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the family of Pamela F. Kelley.
========
LC006400
========
LC006400 - Page 2 of 2