2023 -- H 6480

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LC003144

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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

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE M. THERESA

SANTOS

     Introduced By: Representatives Finkelman, Cortvriend, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Fenton-
Fung, Abney, Chippendale, Voas, Tanzi, and Fellela

     Date Introduced: June 06, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Honorable M. Theresa Santos. Known to most as Theresa Santos, she was born in Middletown,

the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Pimental, and was the beloved wife of the late William

Santos; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Santos began her distinguished public service career more than 57

years ago when she accepted a position at Middletown Town Hall. She soon established a

reputation for attention to detail, hard work and often coming up with innovative solutions to

solve vexing problems. Thanks to her strong leadership abilities and abiding integrity, she rose to

the position of Middletown Finance Director, a position she held until her retirement in 1990; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Santos returned to public service in 2000, when she was elected to the

Middletown Town Council, a position she held until her passing. As a Councilwoman, she was

known for her high energy and belief in fiscal restraint and responsibility. During her tenure on

the Council, she served on numerous committees including the 275th Town Anniversary

Committee, Affordable Housing Committee, the Beach Commission, Budget Advisory Sub-

Committee, the Citizens Memorial Hall of Fame and the Veterans Memorial Committee; and

     WHEREAS, Councilwoman Santos will long be remembered for her tireless advocacy on

behalf of making Middletown the best place in Rhode Island to live. She strove daily to make life

better for the residents of her Town. She was vigorous in her support of senior citizens and

making sure their needs were met, and for never forgetting about those struggling and living on

the margins of life. Thanks to her urging, new sidewalks were built along upper Aquidneck

Avenue so schoolchildren wouldn’t have to walk in the busy road; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Santos was also known for her sharp wit and great sense of humor. She

was also a fanatical basketball fan who often stayed up late at night to watch her beloved Boston

Celtics, and she loved dogs, especially the Boxer breed. Most of all, Mrs. Santos was devoted to

her loved ones and always put her family first in her life; and

     WHEREAS, Perhaps Middletown Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown described Mrs.

Santos best when he said, “She always wanted to make Middletown the best place it could be and

held us all to a high standard so that it would be possible. She definitely made Middletown a

better place to live, work and play and I know we’re all missing her already”; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Santos is survived by her sons, Michael Santos and daughter-in-law,

Heidi Nordmann, and William Santos. She was predeceased by her siblings Manuel Pimental,

Benjamin Pimental, and Antone Pimental; now, therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable M. Theresa Santos; 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 Michael Santos and Family, and William

Santos.

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LC003144

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