Condolences on the Passing of Pamela F. Kelley

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Pamela F. Kelley, a beloved member of the Newport community; and

WHEREAS, Pamela F. Kelley was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and raised in the nearby town of Washington, the daughter of Paul and Harriet Ford and sister to Ingrid, and throughout her life she maintained a deep appreciation for her mother’s Swedish heritage; and

WHEREAS, A gifted student with a keen intellect, Pamela graduated from Sweet Briar College in 1967 with a degree in mathematics, thereafter embarking on a successful career as a computer programmer before pursuing her passion for law; and

WHEREAS, She earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law and served with distinction at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, demonstrating her intelligence, diligence, and commitment to public service; and

WHEREAS, In 1971, she married her beloved husband, Brendan Kelley, whom she had met in New York City, and together they shared a life enriched by travel, entrepreneurship, and a deep love of sailing; and

WHEREAS, A pivotal chapter in her life began with a move to Paris in 1980, where she discovered a passion for French lace, inspiring her to found Rue de France, a successful catalog merchandising business that reflected her creativity and business acumen; and

WHEREAS, Pamela and Brendan ultimately made their home in Newport, where she became deeply engaged in the civic and cultural life of the community, contributing her time and leadership to numerous organizations, including the Newport Historical Society, the Newport Public Library, The Point Association, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, and The Island Cemetery; and

WHEREAS, As President of The Island Cemetery, Pamela F. Kelley devoted herself tirelessly to the preservation and enhancement of this historic resting place, overseeing a major expansion and the restoration of the long-neglected Belmont Chapel, thereby leaving a lasting legacy for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Known for her warmth, generosity, and gift for friendship, Pam cherished her family deeply, maintaining close bonds with her sister Ingrid, her husband Brendan’s extended family, and her many nieces, nephews, and their families, each of whom will forever treasure their memories of her; and

WHEREAS, Pamela F. Kelley was predeceased by her devoted husband, Brendan Kelley, and her parents, Paul and Harriet Ford, and she leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment, service, and love that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Pamela F. Kelley and recognizes her extraordinary contributions to her community and her enduring legacy of service and kindness; 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 family of Pamela F. Kelley.