Extending Deepest Condolences on the Passing of the Honorable Helen Stasia Taylor

WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the passing of the Honorable Helen Stasia Taylor, a former Warwick City Councilwoman and dedicated public servant. She was the loving mother of Sheri H. Conley and her husband, Peter, and Kelly Taylor and her husband, Jason Oliver. She was also the beloved partner of the late, Leo W. Garrity, who was the love of her life and with whom she shared fifty-one years of devoted companionship prior to his passing in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, Helen was the oldest of two daughters born to the late Earl J. and Stasia H. Martin, and the sister of the late Irene Engley. Her family brought her great joy and was always her most important cause. In addition to her beloved children, she will be sorely missed by her cherished grandchildren, Taylor and Brandon Conley, and her nephews, Charles “Chuck” Engley and David Engley, who she thought more of as sons; and

WHEREAS, A proud graduate of Warwick Veterans Memorial High School and the University of Rhode Island, Helen’s poise and talent led her to model for Seventeen Magazine, an experience that later inspired her leadership in organizing the Miss West Bay and Miss Rhode Island Pageants; and

WHEREAS, An entrepreneur throughout her life, Helen founded and operated numerous successful businesses across Rhode Island, including Pizza Villa, Forget-Me-Not Flower Shoppe, The Pink Tulip, Weddings Made in Heaven, and Lily’s + Lace, the latter of which received the “Proud Business Award” from Keep Providence Beautiful in 1991. She also established Tropical Interiors, providing interior landscape and design services to businesses throughout the State, most notably transforming the Warwick Mall with her seasonal and holiday designs; and

WHEREAS, Deeply committed to civic life, Helen served on numerous boards, including the Rhode Island Historical Society, Keep Providence Beautiful, and the Rhode Island Heart Association, where she organized fundraisers and served as auction chair for the Heart Ball; and

WHEREAS, Among her many pioneering accomplishments, Helen was one of the first women elected to the Providence Rotary Club and went on to become the first female President of the Providence Sunrise Rotary Club. She was also an active member and later President of the West Bay chapter of the League of Women Voters; and

WHEREAS, Inspired by her lifelong interest in public affairs, Helen served with distinction as a Warwick City Councilwoman from 2003 through 2010, during which time she undertook a study of the environmental and public health impacts of emissions from T. F. Green Airport on surrounding neighborhoods and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Her dedication to civic engagement extended beyond local office, as she served as an honorary campaign manager for Congressman Eddie Beard and, in 2012, was elected as a statewide delegate representing Rhode Island at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she had the opportunity to meet several well-known leaders; and

WHEREAS, Despite her many professional and civic accomplishments, Helen’s greatest pride and deepest joy were found in her family, for whom she was a fierce advocate, steadfast supporter, and constant source of love and encouragement; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the Honorable Helen Stasia Taylor and honors her legacy of public service, entrepreneurship, and unwavering devotion to her family and community; 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 Sheri Conley, Kelly Taylor and Family.