2017 -- S 0849

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING PROFOUND SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF PAULA ANDERSON

     Introduced By: Senators Conley, Lombardi, Lombardo, Coyne, and Felag

     Date Introduced: May 02, 2017

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Paula

Anderson, the cherished wife of Raymond E. Anderson, who was the love of her life and her

devoted chauffeur for fifty-six years, and the loving mother of Marc Anderson, Erika Augustyn

and her husband, Peter, Robert Anderson, and Crystal Garcia and her husband, Joseph of

Homestead, Florida. She was also blessed with and totally adored her twelve grandchildren,

Mike, Shawn, Kevin, Hannah, Stefan, Kailey, Justin, Christopher, Tateona, Dylan, Coleen, and

Brady, and three great-grandchildren, Kailey, Aiden, and Colin, as well as more than 30 beloved

foster children; and

     WHEREAS, Paula Fortin was born in Providence, and grew up on Don Avenue. She was

the daughter of William and Anne Fortin, and the sister of Peter Fortin, who was not only her

brother, but also her matchmaker, as he had wisely introduced Paula to her future husband, Ray;

and

     WHEREAS, In addition to making a wonderful and welcoming home for her family and

friends, Mrs. Anderson's boundless nurturing nature extended to those in need. She was the go-to

babysitter for half of the neighborhood, and was a founding member of the Coalition for the

Homeless and of Friends in Service to Humanity (FISH), as well as a habitual volunteer at the

Bread of Life Food Pantry. In addition, she coordinated relief for a family whose house burned

down, spent countless hours knitting caps for preemies at Women & Infants and mittens for

school children, and for many years, would send birthday cards to Newman Church Sunday

School members; and

     WHEREAS, Paula Anderson's philosophy on life was simple, "Be kind, be caring, be

thoughtful, and be quiet when her soap opera was on." She was the official cheering squad at

countless dance recitals, little league games, school concerts, and soccer tournaments, and was

always "the calm in the storm" and the confidant in any crisis; and

     WHEREAS, Officially, Mrs. Anderson was recognized for her dedicated efforts on

behalf of others as the recipient of the Rumford Grange Award and Coalition for the Homeless

Thank You Award. Unofficially, everyone who knew her, recognized and appreciated her

extraordinary love and devotion for anyone and everyone who crossed her path; and

     WHEREAS, Paula Anderson was an utterly devoted wife, the kind of mother and

grandmother that every child deserves, a loyal and truly caring friend, and an inspiring mentor.

She left an indelible mark on the lives of those she knew and loved and she will be deeply missed

and always remembered; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby expresses our deepest sympathies to the entire Anderson Family on the passing of their

beloved matriarch, Paula Anderson; 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 Raymond E. Anderson and Family.

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