Maryellen Goodwin
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Maryellen Goodwin | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Rhode Island Senate from the 1st[1] district | |
| In office January 2005 – April 15, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Rhoda Perry |
| Succeeded by | Jake Bissaillon |
| Member of the Rhode Island Senate from the 4th district | |
| In office January 2003 – January 2005 | |
| Preceded by | Dominick J. Ruggerio |
| Succeeded by | Dominick J. Ruggerio |
| Member of the Rhode Island Senate from the 1st district | |
| In office January 1987 – January 2003 | |
| Succeeded by | Rhoda Perry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 27, 1964 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Died | April 15, 2023 (aged 58) Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Rhode Island College |
Maryellen Goodwin[2] (September 27, 1964 – April 15, 2023) was an American politician and a Democratic member of the Rhode Island Senate representing District 24 since January 2005. Goodwin served consecutively from January 1987 until January 2005 in the District 1 and District 4 seats.
Goodwin was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1964. Her father, Thomas N. Goodwin, was a state senator and owned a funeral home.[3] Goodwin earned her BA degree from Rhode Island College.[4]
Career
Goodwin was elected to the Rhode Island State Senate in 1986, and eventually rose to be the Democratic whip.[4] She supported bills that required employers to provide paid sick leave for workers, and guaranteed more nurses for care homes. She also supported red flag laws, and sponsored reforms that expanded laws against domestic violence.[4]
In 2019, Goodwin was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She became an advocate for early screening for the disease.[5] In 2021, the state legislature passed the Maryellen Goodwin Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, which required insurers in the state to cover the full costs of tests for people aged 45 and older.[5]
Personal life
Goodwin lived in Providence, where she was a member of St. Patrick Church. She died from cancer at her home on April 15, 2023, at the age of 58. At the time of her death, she was in a relationship with former Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty.[3]