2025 -- H 5061
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
HONORING RUTH ANN MADSEN FOR HER SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF RHODE
ISLAND ON THE OCCASION OF HER PASSING
Introduced By: Representatives Stewart, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Morales,
Cruz, Alzate, Kislak, Sanchez, and Tanzi
Date Introduced: January 15, 2025
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, Ruth Ann Madsen, who was affectionately known as “Diamond”, was a 1
beloved and fierce advocate for people experiencing homelessness in Rhode Island. She was 2
deeply committed to helping those around her have a better life, and worked tirelessly to provide 3
shelter for her unhoused neighbors, and when no shelter was available, she worked to ensure that 4
those living outside had what they needed — warm clothes, sleeping bags, tents and other 5
necessary supplies; and 6
WHEREAS, Ms. Madsen was a stalwart volunteer with many organizations including, 7
the George Wiley Center in Pawtucket, the community organization Direct Action for Rights and 8
Equality in Providence, the Rhode Island Poor People's Campaign, and at the Mathewson Street 9
United Methodist Church in Providence, where she was known for distributing winter jackets and 10
socks, and assisting with the Friendship Breakfast, a Sunday morning meal and prayer service 11
intended for those in need; and 12
WHEREAS, Ms. Madsen was also a longtime member of the Tenderloin Opera 13
Company, a theater and music group that aims to tell the story of homelessness in Rhode Island 14
through writing, music, and performance; and 15
WHEREAS, Ms. Madsen passed away on December 18, 2024, at the age of 56 at Miriam 16
Hospital in Providence; and 17
WHEREAS, Ms. Madsen was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She was adopted by her father, 18
Bruce Madsen of Trumbull, Connecticut, where she was raised, and later graduated from 19
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Trumbull High School, became a talented figure skater and equestrian competitor, and developed 1
a love for animals especially horses, often taking in stray cats and dogs; and 2
WHEREAS, In addition to her father, Bruce Madsen, Ms. Madsen is survived by her son, 3
Davon Middleton of Bridgeport, Connecticut, her daughter, LaShaun Middleton of Hartford, 4
Connecticut, and her beloved grandchildren, Jamal J. Middleton, Leilani S. Middleton and 5
Thursday Arabella Thompson. She is also survived by her siblings, Lorraine “Asia” Gonzalez of 6
Providence, Tracy Cosby of Cranston, Stephanie “Blue” Wells of Providence, Joshua Madsen of 7
Florida, Howard Crosby of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Eric Wells of Woonsocket; now, 8
therefore be it 9
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 10
honors Ruth Ann “Diamond” Madsen for her tireless and selflessness efforts working with 11
unhoused Rhode Islanders. May her life inspire us to do better to ensure that all within our State 12
live with dignity; and be it further 13
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 14
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Kevin Simon, Director of Outreach and 15
Communications, Mathewson Street United Methodist Church. 16
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