2025 -- H 5065
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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
EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF SISTER JOAN ROKICKI,
RSM
Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kennedy,
Azzinaro, Perez, Kislak, Hull, and Handy
Date Introduced: January 15, 2025
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Sister 1
Joan Rokicki, RSM, a Sister of Mercy from Providence. Sister Joan Rokicki was born in New 2
Bedford, Massachusetts, to the late Walter and Mary Rokicki; and 3
WHEREAS, Sister Joan Rokicki was a woman of deep Christian faith who was much 4
admired and loved by all who knew her. She graduated from St. Mary Academy Bayview and 5
attained degrees from Mercy College and Boston College. Sister Rokicki began her ministry and 6
inspiring life of public service as an elementary school teacher, to be followed by a period of time 7
where she served as a special needs teacher. She had a special knack for communicating 8
effectively with her pupils and inspiring them to reach for the stars while never forgetting the 9
needs of others around them; and 10
WHEREAS, Following her teaching career, Sister Rokicki began a 40 year ministry at 11
McAuley House, a Community Center of McAuley Ministries, that offers a place of hope and 12
enrichment to the poor, by offering much needed food, spiritual sustenance, and art enrichment 13
programs as well as other basic necessities such as transportation assistance, housing referrals, 14
counselling services and emergency telephone access in a safe and always affirming environment. 15
Through her ministry, Sister Rokicki touched the hearts of many and made a positive difference 16
in the lives of countless people in need living on the margins of life; and 17
WHEREAS, Sister Rokicki recently celebrated her 70th Anniversary as a Sister of Mercy 18
in September of 2024. Sister Rokicki was a passionate social justice advocate who will be 19
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remembered fondly by her loved ones, many friends, and all whose lives were made better thanks 1
to her tireless work and deep compassion for those in need. She was a faithful daughter of God 2
and a true inspiration to all who knew and admired her in her fulfillment of her vows of service to 3
people who suffer from poverty and lack of education; and 4
WHEREAS, Sister Rokicki leaves behind her sister-in-law Phylis Rokicki, her niece 5
Gretl Plessinger Rokicki, her nephew Ryan Rokicki, her great-nephews Michael Plessinger and 6
Ayden Rokicki, as well as her dear friends Sally Ewalt and Liz McGrath. She was predeceased by 7
her brother Michael Rokicki; now, therefore be it 8
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 9
expresses its deepest condolences to the Rokicki Family on the passing of Sister Joan Rokicki, 10
RSM; and be it further 11
RESOLVED. That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 12
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Phylis Rokicki and Family. 13
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