Rhode Island Senate honors Maryellen Goodwin

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The beloved state senator passed away on Saturday, after years of battling colon cancer. 

The Rhode Island Senate taking up a resolution on Tuesday to honor a life that made a difference in so many others. 

“She was so witty and so gifted and so loving it was very nice to pay tribute to her,” Hanna Gallo, a state senator said. 

“I think a couple of the words that were articulated, she was someone who was sympathetic, she was empathetic and it’s true,” Sen. Louis DiPalma added. 

Representing the Smith Hill neighborhood for 36 years, Maryellen Goodwin was the second longest-serving senator in the chamber. 

“Her colleagues respected her, I certainly respected her, I didn’t always agree with her but I respected her, and I joked that we exchanged glares sometimes and words, but then there’s also lots of hugs and well wishes,” Sen. Jessica De La Cruz told ABC 6 News.  

Goodwin also set an example for women interested in politics. 

“There weren’t women senators and now, 25 years later, we’re a majority, so we’re certainly moving along and I think that she helped that, she insisted on us being chairs and having a place at the table,” Gallo added. 

One of Goodwin’s more personal accomplishments was “The Maryellen Goodwin Colorectal Cancer Screening Act,” which required insurance companies to cover the cost of preventative screenings and colonoscopies. 

“Senator Goodwin truly represented the best of Rhode Island, and we are a better state because of her,” Gov. Dan McKee said. 

Visiting hours are set for Thursday, and all Senate business set for that day will be rescheduled to next week. 

Goodwin’s funeral will be Friday morning.