City of Woonsocket Mourns Passing of Former Mayor Susan D. Menard

September 21, 2022
Contact: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt
lbaldellihunt@woonsocketri.org; (401) 767-9205

City of Woonsocket Mourns Passing of Former Mayor Susan D. Menard

WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt today announced that City flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of the life and service of former Mayor Susan D. Menard who recently passed away. Menard played a major role in Woonsocket’s governance for close to three decades In 1981, she was elected to the City’s School Committee and then in 1985 was elected to the City Council, serving as that governing body’s first woman president. In 1995, Menard became the first woman mayor in the City’s history, and ended her tenure in 2009 as the City’s longest serving mayor.

Mayor Baldelli-Hunt stated, “I am truly saddened to learn of former Mayor Menard’s death, and on behalf of our City, I offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends, and I want them to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers. Mayor Menard has left an enduring legacy in Woonsocket through her many years of public service, and she will also be remembered for her pioneering achievements in advancing the role of women in Rhode Island municipal politics being only the second elected female mayor in the history of the State.”

Former Mayor Charles C. Baldelli offered these thoughts, “Susan Menard could be hard-minded, but we were usually able to resolve our issues and work well together for the betterment of Woonsocket. She, like my niece Lisa, had a soft spot for our City’s seniors, and never once refused any funding request for activities or equipment that would improve their quality of life.”

Former Mayor Leo Fontaine stated, "As our whole community takes in the tragic news of Mayor Menard's passing, I am deeply saddened and offer my heartfelt condolences to her son, Kevin, her grandchildren, and extended family. Mayor Menard gave so much of herself to our City throughout her time in public service, and anyone who worked with her knows what a tenacious fighter she was for this community that she called home. But more than just a Mayor, it was always clear that Susan was a mother and grandmother, who loved her children and grandchildren dearly. In these coming days, I will continue to offer my sincere prayers to our merciful and loving God for Mayor Menard and all of those touched by her loss."

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