Condolences on the Passing of Constance Petrarca

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House of Representatives has learned of the passing of Constance Petrarca at the age of 100. She was the beloved wife of the late Adolph J. Petrarca, and was the devoted mother of the Honorable Rhode Island State Representative Patricia Serpa (and the late Joseph Serpa), Lester and Linda Petrarca, and Joanne and Robert Diggins; and

WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca was born in Woonsocket on June 28, 1925, daughter of the late Floriane and Aime Groslouis. Constance graduated from West Warwick High School in 1943, finishing at the top of her class, and was a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society. Constance was a member of the historic "Greatest Generation" that survived the deprivations of the Great Depression, the winning of World War II and the preservation of democracy in the United States, Western Europe and elsewhere across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca worked as a secretary for many years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Typical of those who lived through the Great Depression, Constance was a frugal mom and a consummate and tireless bargain hunter. She loved shopping for her family and loved ones and finding good deals at various department stores and thrift shops. Whatever was not used right away became part of her "warehouse," to be used when inevitably someone in her family needed something; and

WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother who always put her loved ones first in her life. Her home was one of love, safety and physical and intellectual nourishment that gave her children a template for success out in the world and in life. Constance was also a devout Catholic and woman of deep faith who prayed the Rosary regularly. In her free time, she enjoyed doing word search puzzles and staying abreast of the local and national news; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her children, Constance Petrarca leaves behind her grandchildren, Domenic DiMassi, Lynne and Henry Ruelle, Salvatore and Tonia Petrarca, Madelyn and Philip Swanson, Regina Petrarca, and Jennifer and Matthew Sousa, and her great- grandchildren, Gabriele DiMasi, Torin Ruelle, and Hunter Swanson; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Constance Petrarca; 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 the Honorable Patricia Serpa and Family.