2023 -- H 5003

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE

CATHERINE E. GRAZIANO, RN, PHD.

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Corvese, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Ajello,
Noret, Phillips, Kennedy, Costantino, and Ackerman

     Date Introduced: January 05, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Honorable Catherine Graziano, the beloved wife of the late Louis Graziano and a well-respected

nursing professional and former member of the Rhode Island State Senate; and

     WHEREAS, Born Catherine E. Hawkins, she was the daughter of the late William and

Catherine Hawkins, and the sister of the late Sr. Mary Macrina Hawkins, RSM, William Hawkins

and John Hawkins. She was the cherished mother of Mary Pontarelli and her husband, Michael,

William Graziano and his wife, Jodee, Catherine Graziano and her husband, John Ryan, Paul

Graziano and his wife, Sara, Carol MacLean and her husband, Gavin, and the late Louis Graziano

and Joseph Graziano. She was also the beloved grandmother of seven grandchildren, five great-

grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Graziano was a graduate of St. Xavier Academy and earned her

Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Salve Regina University. Upon graduation she took a

position as a Professor of Nursing and later as the Chair of the Nursing Department at Salve

Regina until retiring in 1997. She had also worked weekends at St. Joseph Hospital in Providence

for over 40 years. In addition, during her years teaching at the University, she earned a Master's

Degree in Medical Surgical Nursing from Boston College, a Master's Degree in Health Services

Administration from Salve Regina University, and a PhD from Pacific Western University; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Graziano had also served as an expert witness in numerous medical

malpractice cases in Rhode Island and co-authored and contributed on textbooks related to

nutrition and health. She was a member of numerous professional organizations including,

serving as President of the RI State Nurses Association, and a member of the American Nurses

Association, National League for Nursing, and Accreditation Visitor for Collegiate Programs in

Nursing; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Catherine Graziano was elected to the RI State Senate in

1992, and served until 2002. Earning the respect of her fellow Senators, she was named Chair of

the Health & Human Services Committee where she fought for issues related to health care, the

elderly, education, pay equity and environmental issues, and was the proud sponsor of the "Safe

Haven Legislation"; and

     WHEREAS, Recognized and highly-regarded in the nursing profession as well as her

efforts in the legislature, Mrs. Graziano was honored as the first recipient of the RI State Nurses

Association Award for Outstanding Nursing Educator in Rhode Island, received the Bishop

Mulvee Award as Outstanding Pro-Life Legislator, and a Right-to-Life Recognition Award, as

well as many additional accolades and awards. She had also volunteered her time with many

altruistic organizations and was a devoted parishioner of St. Thomas Church; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Catherine Graziano was a devoted wife, mother and

grandmother, a nursing professional and a legislator. She was a role model to generations of

nursing students and leaves a legacy of commitment and perseverance that will long be

remembered; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby expresses deepest condolences

on the passing of the Honorable Catherine E. Graziano; 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 Mary Pontarelli and family, William Graziano

and family, Catherine Graziano and family, Paul Graziano and family, and Carol MacLean and

family.

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