Senator Maryellen Goodwin

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Sen. Thomas N. and Patricia M. (Hogan) Goodwin. She was the companion of Lieutenant Governor Charles J. Fogarty.

Senator Maryellen Goodwin had represented District 1 in the RI State Senate since 1987 and served as Senate Majority Whip. She attended St. Patrick High School and Rhode Island College.

She worked in the City of Providence Planning & Development Department for the past 16 years.

Her first elected office was as a delegate to the 1986 Constitutional Convention. In the Senate, she had also served as Chairwoman of the Special Legislation Committee and the Joint Committee on Lottery.

Senator Goodwin leaves a legacy as large as her heart, and her impact will benefit Rhode Islanders for generations to come. She was known for her work on behalf of the underprivileged, and her strong advocacy for her neighborhood, quality elder care, domestic violence prevention, improved access to health care, and much more. The Maryellen Goodwin Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, which she had sponsored before her own diagnosis, ensures all Rhode Islanders can access life-saving screenings. She authored the state’s Paid Sick Leave law, as well as important legislation to strengthen childcare, domestic violence prevention, public safety, worker protections, access to health care, home care and nursing home safety, and much more.

A tireless champion for her Smith Hill neighborhood and her home city of Providence, Maryellen was known to help solve crimes from time to time as well, even once tailing a scofflaw while on the phone with police to ensure his capture.

Maryellen’s smile and sense of humor were a gift for all who were blessed to have known her.

Among the numerous associations and organizations who awarded Maryellen for her commitment to her community were: the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network, Leading Age Rhode Island, Senior Agenda Coalition, Rhode Island Partnership For Home Care, Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, MADD, Cesar Estrada Chavez Award Committee, American Heart Association, Rhode Island Dermatology Society, Volunteers in Providence Schools, Rhode Island Catholic Schools Parents Federation, Special Olympics Rhode Island, Elmhurst and Mt. Pleasant Little League, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Crossroads Rhode Island, National Guard Association, Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, Center for Mediation & Collaboration Rhode Island, and the Manitoba Association of Math Teachers.

Her faith was incredibly strong. She was a life-long communicant of St. Patrick Church.

She leaves two devoted sisters, Sheila A. Connelly (Paul R.) and Maureen P. LaRocque (Jeffrey P.) both of North Providence. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, who were the light of her life and brought her joy, laughter and unending love: Marygrace H, Teresa R, and John (Jack) P. LaRocque, and Liam T. Connelly. She also leaves behind Aunts Ellen Myers, Catherine Murphy, Elizabeth Hynes, cherished cousins, as well as countless family, friends and loved ones.

Maryellen leaves behind many people whose lives have been touched by her gifts of kindness, friendship, and love of her community. While it is impossible to know the extent of her influence, we know her legacy will be everlasting.

Senator Goodwin’s funeral will be held Friday, at 9:30 am from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in Saint Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence. Burial will be in the Goodwin Family lot in Saint Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours Thursday, 3:00 - 8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Patrick Church, 244 Smith Street, Providence, 02908, in her memory will be appreciated.