Extending Deepest Condolences on the Passing of Ruth Ann Desmarais

WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Ruth Desmarais, the beloved wife of the late Archie Desmarais, and the devoted mother of Susan Thompson and her husband, Mark; and

WHEREAS, Ruth Desmarais was born in Fall River, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Manuel and Frances Rebello, and the sister of the late Lorraine Sousa Williams, Robert Rebello and his partner, Janet Aurelio, Jean Carroll and her late husband, Timothy, and John Rebello and his wife, Sharon. She also had a large and loving extended family including her nephews, Justin and Jordan Rebello, and her niece and nephew, Cathi-Jo Finnerty and Walter Sousa Jr, as well as many additional nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and

WHEREAS, Selfless and kind, Mrs. Desmarais’ “unwavering commitment to her family” created a warm and loving home, where she took great pleasure in hosting annual Christmas Eve gatherings, and spoiling her beloved grandchildren, Rebecca, Raffaella, and Zachary Thompson, and her little dog, Nala; and

WHEREAS, Guided by her faith, Mrs. Desmarias was a devout parishioner of St. Margaret Church where she taught CCD, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She also coached Rumford Little League girls’ softball teams. Ruth was a diehard New York Yankees fan and rarely missed watching a game; and

WHEREAS, Ruth was a trusted, valued, hard-working, and beloved staff member of the House of Representatives for 11 years. She served as executive assistant to Speaker Gordon Fox and to House Finance Chairs. She also worked as a Legal Secretary at the Al DiFiore Law Office for thirty-five years. Throughout her service at both the State House and as a Legal Secretary, she “took great pride in being someone others relied on”. A steadfast Democrat, Ruth's dedication to public service and her party's principles was unwavering and reflected in all aspects of her professional and personal life. She was a strong, loyal, smart, responsive, and dedicated employee. Her coworkers appreciated her candor, toughness, and sense of humor. She had the ability to be refreshingly blunt. Yet, she was extremely compassionate and had a heart of gold; and

WHEREAS, The matriarch of her family, Ruth Desmarais was faith-filled, intelligent, strong-willed, resilient, and truly beloved by all who knew her, and she is dearly missed; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby extends deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Ruth Ann Desmarais; 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 Susan Thompson and Family.