Maryellen Goodwin, a familiar face in Providence politics for decades and the third-ranking Democrat in the Rhode Island Senate, has died after a years-long fight with cancer.
“Maryellen made an unforgettable impact on all of us in the Senate, and on all who knew her,” Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said in a statement Sunday announcing that Goodwin, 58, had died overnight. “She lit up every room she entered with an infectious smile and razor-sharp wit. Our lives are richer for having known her.”
Ruggerio added, “Maryellen’s impact on Smith Hill, Providence, and our entire state will be felt for generations. She stood fearlessly for what was right, fighting for the voiceless, vulnerable and underprivileged. Her leadership led to passage of landmark laws improving lead poisoning prevention, the child care industry, domestic violence prevention, public safety, worker protections, access to health care, home care and nursing home safety, and so much more.”
Goodwin first won election to the Senate in 1986. She was the second-longest serving member of the chamber, and worked for the City of Providence.
She maintained a brave face during a long battle with cancer, often flashing a characteristic smile to her Senate colleagues.
Goodwin grew up in Smith Hill, the section of Providence that includes the Statehouse. She served as whip, the third-highest post in the chamber.
In a statement, the Senate said she “became known for her work on behalf of her neighborhood, quality elder care, domestic violence prevention, improved health care, and much more. For many years she had championed legislation to promote cancer awareness and improve treatments. The Maryellen Goodwin Colorectal Cancer Screening Act was named in her honor. The legislation, which Senator Goodwin had sponsored since prior to her own diagnosis, requires insurers to fully cover preventative screenings and colonoscopies. Among those who have recognized her leadership to improve cancer prevention and treatment are the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network, the Rhode Island Dermatology Society, and the Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University.”
The Senate also cited Goodwin as a champion of “the legislative effort that ensured viability of nursing homes, providing a foundation for a new reimbursement system for nursing homes and outlining the parameters for the system to benefit the state’s elderly and disabled populations.”
Tributes flowed in after word spread of Goodwin’s passing.
“Maryellen was a tireless champion for her constituents and the state of Rhode Island,” Gov. Dan McKee said. “From sponsoring legislation that supported seniors, to strengthening worker protections, fighting for increases in school aid, especially funding for English Language Learners, Senator Goodwin dedicated her life to public service.
U.S. Rep. David Cicilline said, “Maryellen courageously battled cancer for many years and did so with grace, strength, and comforted by her deep religious faith. Her family will remain in my thoughts and prayers and I extend my heartfelt condolences to them during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my beautiful friend.”
In a statement, the Providence City Council said, “For nearly 40 years, Goodwin served the residents of Smith Hill with honor, passion, and integrity, helping pass laws that have touched the lives of so many Rhode Islanders. She will forever be remembered as a champion for the poor and working people.”
Ian Donnis can be reached at idonnis@ripr.org. Follow him on Twitter @IanDon. Sign up here for his weekly RI politics and media newsletter.
