2023 -- H 5003
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
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 P ASSING 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 1
Honorable Catherine Graziano, the beloved wife of the late Louis Graziano and a well-respected 2
nursing professional and former member of the Rhode Island State Senate; and 3
WHEREAS, Born Catherine E. Hawkins, she was the daughter of the late William and 4
Catherine Hawkins, and the sister of the late Sr. Mary Macrina Hawkins, RSM, William Hawkins 5
and John Hawkins. She was the cherished mother of Mary Pontarelli and her husband, Michael, 6
William Graziano and his wife, Jodee, Catherine Graziano and her husband, John Ryan, Paul 7
Graziano and his wife, Sara, Carol MacLean and her husband, Gavin, and the late Louis Graziano 8
and Joseph Graziano. She was also the beloved grandmother of seven grandchildren, five great-9
grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins; and 10
WHEREAS, Mrs. Graziano was a graduate of St. Xavier Academy and earned her 11
Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing at Salve Regina University. Upon graduation she took a 12
position as a Professor of Nursing and later as the Chair of the Nursing Department at Salve 13
Regina until retiring in 1997. She had also worked weekends at St. Joseph Hospital in Providence 14
for over 40 years. In addition, during her years teaching at the University, she earned a Master's 15
Degree in Medical Surgical Nursing from Boston College, a Master's Degree in Health Services 16
Administration from Salve Regina University, and a PhD from Pacific Western University; and 17
WHEREAS, Mrs. Graziano had also served as an expert witness in numerous medical 18
malpractice cases in Rhode Island and co-authored and contributed on textbooks related to 19
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nutrition and health. She was a member of numerous professional organizations including, 1
serving as President of the RI State Nurses Association, and a member of the American Nurses 2
Association, National League for Nursing, and Accreditation Visitor for Collegiate Programs in 3
Nursing; and 4
WHEREAS, The Honorable Catherine Graziano was elected to the RI State Senate in 5
1992, and served until 2002. Earning the respect of her fellow Senators, she was named Chair of 6
the Health & Human Services Committee where she fought for issues related to health care, the 7
elderly, education, pay equity and environmental issues, and was the proud sponsor of the "Safe 8
Haven Legislation"; and 9
WHEREAS, Recognized and highly-regarded in the nursing profession as well as her 10
efforts in the legislature, Mrs. Graziano was honored as the first recipient of the RI State Nurses 11
Association Award for Outstanding Nursing Educator in Rhode Island, received the Bishop 12
Mulvee Award as Outstanding Pro-Life Legislator, and a Right-to-Life Recognition Award, as 13
well as many additional accolades and awards. She had also volunteered her time with many 14
altruistic organizations and was a devoted parishioner of St. Thomas Church; and 15
WHEREAS, The Honorable Catherine Graziano was a devoted wife, mother and 16
grandmother, a nursing professional and a legislator. She was a role model to generations of 17
nursing students and leaves a legacy of commitment and perseverance that will long be 18
remembered; now, therefore be it 19
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby expresses deepest condolences 20
on the passing of the Honorable Catherine E. Graziano; and be it further 21
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 22
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mary Pontarelli and family, William Graziano 23
and family, Catherine Graziano and family, Paul Graziano and family, and Carol MacLean and 24
family. 25
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