SENATE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF PAMELA F. KELLEY, the official text

S3268 2026 -- S 3268 ======== LC006400 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF PAMELA F. KELLEY Introduced By: Senator Dawn M. Euer Date Introduced: May 06, 2026 Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar 1 WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Pamela 2 F. Kelley, a beloved member of the Newport community; and 3 WHEREAS, Pamela F. Kelley was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and raised in the 4 nearby town of Washington, the daughter of Paul and Harriet Ford and sister to Ingrid, and 5 throughout her life she maintained a deep appreciation for her mother’s Swedish heritage; and 6 WHEREAS, A gifted student with a keen intellect, Pamela graduated from Sweet Briar 7 College in 1967 with a degree in mathematics, thereafter embarking on a successful career as a 8 computer programmer before pursuing her passion for law; and 9 WHEREAS, She earned her law degree from Fordham University School of Law and 10 served with distinction at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, demonstrating her 11 intelligence, diligence, and commitment to public service; and 12 WHEREAS, In 1971, she married her beloved husband, Brendan Kelley, whom she had 13 met in New York City, and together they shared a life enriched by travel, entrepreneurship, and a 14 deep love of sailing; and 15 WHEREAS, A pivotal chapter in her life began with a move to Paris in 1980, where she 16 discovered a passion for French lace, inspiring her to found Rue de France, a successful catalog 17 merchandising business that reflected her creativity and business acumen; and 18 WHEREAS, Pamela and Brendan ultimately made their home in Newport, where she 19 became deeply engaged in the civic and cultural life of the community, contributing her time and 20 leadership to numerous organizations, including the Newport Historical Society, the Newport 1 Public Library, The Point Association, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, and The Island Cemetery; and 2 WHEREAS, As President of The Island Cemetery, Pamela F. Kelley devoted herself 3 tirelessly to the preservation and enhancement of this historic resting place, overseeing a major 4 expansion and the restoration of the long-neglected Belmont Chapel, thereby leaving a lasting 5 legacy for future generations; and 6 WHEREAS, Known for her warmth, generosity, and gift for friendship, Pam cherished 7 her family deeply, maintaining close bonds with her sister Ingrid, her husband Brendan’s 8 extended family, and her many nieces, nephews, and their families, each of whom will forever 9 treasure their memories of her; and 10 WHEREAS, Pamela F. Kelley was predeceased by her devoted husband, Brendan 11 Kelley, and her parents, Paul and Harriet Ford, and she leaves behind a legacy of 12 accomplishment, service, and love that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her; now, 13 therefore be it 14 RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest 15 condolences on the passing of Pamela F. Kelley and recognizes her extraordinary contributions to 16 her community and her enduring legacy of service and kindness; and be it further 17 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 18 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the family of Pamela F. Kelley. ======== LC006400 ======== LC006400 - Page 2 of 2