Extending Deepest Condolences on the Passing of Josephine B. Finnegan

WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Josephine B. Finnegan, the devoted wife of the late Terrence Finnegan II, PFC, and the cherished mother of Rosemary Finnegan, Kevin Finnegan, and the late Bruce Finnegan and Terrence Finnegan III; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Finnegan was born in Maine, a daughter of the late Joseph and Louise Mantoosh, and the sister of Steven Wiatrowski, and the late Louise Lee, Leona Vilandrie, Laura Midgley, Wanda Miller, Elaine McCarthy, Joseph Wasiuk, Stanley Mantoosh and Johny Wasiuk. As a young girl, she and her family moved to the City of Providence, where she attended Oliver Hazard Perry High School; and

WHEREAS, With a loving personality, Mrs. Finnegan, lovingly known as “Granny Josie” created a home that was warm and welcoming. She doted on her family and loved sharing stories, and cooking her famous homemade pancakes, golumpkis and other Polish dishes, along with her beloved blueberry or fruit pies, particularly for her grandchildren, Lynne Finnegan and Aaron Finnegan, and her great-granddaughter, Keia DePina McKinney; and

WHEREAS, The Finnegans had raised their family in Providence and spent many wonderful summers at Roy Carpenter's Beach, eventually moving permanently to East Matunuck. She possessed a tremendous work ethic, and had been blessed with remarkable health and energy, living until the age of 104, and still working a few mornings a week at the Ocean Mist until a few months before her passing; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Mrs. Finnegan had loved live music. She particularly enjoyed late nights at the Ocean Mist where she was quite proudly honored with a "reserved" seat to listen to the bands, and chat with locals and visitors to the seaside venue. A delightful storyteller at heart, she would often say, "Oh, I could write a book with all the things I've seen"; and

WHEREAS, Josie Finnegan was a talented artist, an avid gardener, an accomplished seamstress, and a skilled furniture remodeler who possessed a sharp wit, humor, and a vibrant spirit that will forever be remembered and missed by all who had shared her remarkable life; now, therefore be

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby extends deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Josephine B. Finnegan; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Rosemary Finnegan and Family, and Kevin Finnegan and Family.