Deepest Condolences on the Passing of Barbara Dennen

WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Barbara Dennen, the beloved wife of William Dennen for sixty years and the devoted mother of Susan Dennen and her husband, Paul Sullivan, Karen Cabatingan and her husband, Mark, and Bill Dennen and his wife, Megan; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Dennen was the daughter of the late John and Irene Balbaton, and the sister of Richard Balbaton. She was born and raised in the City of Central Falls and was a graduate of Notre Dame Junior High School and Central Falls High School. She is survived by a loving extended family, her aunt, Therese St. Hilaire, and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and myriad lifelong friends; and

WHEREAS, With a "larger-than-life personality", Mrs. Dennen held many occupations and gathered many friendships throughout her life. She began in the money room at Ann & Hope, where she met the love of her life and future husband, and in the 1970s, they ran a successful small business, making terrariums. She later worked at Health-Tex, and was also a substitute teacher's aide in the Cumberland schools; and

WHEREAS, Barbara and William married in 1965, and together they made their home in the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood of Cumberland. Her home was warm and welcoming, and she loved doting on her family, particularly as "Grammy" to her six cherished grandchildren, Andrew and his partner, Elyse, David and his wife, Rainbow, and Molly and her fiancé, Liam, Annie Sullivan, and Henry and Owen Dennen; and

WHEREAS, With "a gift for making others feel comfortable and valued", Mrs. Dennen stayed in close contact with her friends and those she loved throughout her life, attending various events, hosting an annual July th cookout, Christmas Eve celebrations, playing cards and board games with family and friends, and connected through her iPad in her later years. She also enjoyed her pets, her beautiful gardens, birds, New England sports, music, and movies; and

WHEREAS, The most fitting tribute to Barbara Dennen is a celebration of her beautiful life and the wonderful memories she leaves to those who were fortunate to have had her in their lives; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby extends deepest sympathy and condolences to the family of Barbara Dennen; 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 William Dennen and Family.