2022 -- H 7058

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LC003521

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY ON THE PASSING OF MEAGHAN MCGONAGLE

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Solomon, Bennett, Amore,
Vella-Wilkinson, Shanley, McNamara, Potter, and Baginski

     Date Introduced: January 11, 2022

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sorrow that this House has learned of the untimely passing of

Meaghan McGonagle, the cherished mother of Liam and Amelia, a devoted daughter and sister,

an inspiring teacher, a dedicated and compassionate coach, and a legendary athlete; and

     WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, "Meg" as she was affectionately known by

her family, was the devoted daughter of Michael and Priscilla McGonagle, the loving sister of

Maura Brown and Michael McGonagle, and the aunt of Ellie, Stephen, Marykate, Maggie, Jack,

Cornelius, Kendrick, Brooklynne, Lauren, and Evan. She also leaves her former husband,

Matthew Holmes, and his parents, Jerry and Mary Holmes; and

     WHEREAS, Meg grew up in the City of Warwick, and attended Pilgrim High School,

where her athletic prowess became renowned on a state-wide level and her jersey, # 41, still

hangs in the school's gym. She was All-State in volleyball and basketball, still holds the all-time

leading scorer title for Girls' Basketball, and was the Warwick Beacon Athlete of the Year in

1998; and

     WHEREAS, Continuing her education and athletic accomplishments, Meg earned a

Bachelor’s degree in business and education from Siena College in Loudonville, New York,

where she was a two-time captain of the Division I Siena College Women’s Basketball team, that

in 2001, won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship; and

     WHEREAS, In 2006, "Ms. McGonagle" as she became known in the school community,

joined the faculty of the Cranston Public School Department as a business teacher, most recently

at Cranston High School East, where in addition to teaching, she had served as coach of the

Thunderbolt Boys and Girls Volleyball teams. As both a teacher and a coach, she guided,

prodded, and encouraged her students to continuously strive to achieve, resulting in the Girls'

Volleyball team attaining an undefeated season and the school’s first ever volleyball State

Championship, leading the Boy's team to an undefeated season and winning another State

Championship, and earning Meg the honor of being named the Rhode Island Interscholastic

League Coach of the Year for Girls and Boys Volleyball; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to her coaching at Cranston East, Meg had previously been the

DECA coordinator at Cranston High School West, and had served as a basketball and volleyball

coach at Guilderland High School in Guilderland, New York; and

     WHEREAS, Meaghan McGonagle will forever be remembered as a loving mother, a

great athlete and coach, and for her "little acts of kindness," her ability to include everyone in her

caring circle, and for helping students to believe in themselves. She was truly "not only a great

coach but a great person" and she is deeply missed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

extends heartfelt sympathy to the family and the Cranston East community on the passing of

Meaghan McGonagle; 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 Liam Holmes, Amelia Holmes, and Michael

and Priscilla McGonagle.

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