Tributes Pour In For Former RI First Lady Sue Carcieri

EAST GREENWICH, RI—Former Rhode Island First Lady Sue Carcieri died Thursday morning. Flags will fly at half-staff in her honor per Gov. Gina Raimondo's direction.

"Sue Carcieri was a smart, passionate and caring First Lady who served Rhode Island with grace and dignity," the governor said. "She was deeply dedicated to causes that moved her, fighting for breast cancer awareness and heating assistance for Rhode Islanders in need. Andy and I are keeping her loved ones, particularly Governor Carcieri and their children, in our prayers during this difficult time."

Among the many accolades, state Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (D=Prov) provided a memory from her own childhood in Jamaica where Carcieri was her professor during her freshman year at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College in Jamaica. That was in 1982 and 1983.

"The Carcieris moved to Jamaica for two years to work for the United Catholic Relief Services, and Mrs. Carcieri, who was a teacher, joined the faculty at the Franciscan college," according to the Statehouse press release.

"Representative Ranglin-Vassell, who grew up in Jamaica, took biology from Carcieri. The subject matter was difficult for Ranglin-Vassell, but she says Carcieri brought it to life and made every effort to ensure her students learned. She grew to have a special relationship with her professor and remembered her as being 'relatable, and kind – so kind to everyone.

'She was amazing, the best teacher anybody could ever have. I would never have passed biology without her, and without it, I could not have become a teacher,' she said.

"It was with great surprise when, two decades later, after immigrating to Rhode Island, Ranglin-Vassell attended an event for educators at the Rhode Island Convention Center and found that her former professor was speaking, and she was now the first lady of Rhode Island.

"When she approached her after her speech, the first lady remembered her right away, and they resumed their warm relationship. She invited Ranglin-Vassell and her husband to lunch at the State House, and they met other times in restaurants and at Ranglin-Vassell’s house. The first lady even surprised her by attending a 2007 reception where Ranglin-Vassell was presented the YWCA Women of Achievement award.

"They never talked politics.

'We talked about what we both loved – education. We never had a political relationship because it wasn’t born out of that,' Ranglin-Vassell said.

“She was an amazing teacher and a truly wonderful human being. She was one of the teachers who made a special, deep impact on my life. I’ve always loved her,” she said.

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung offered this tribute.

“Sue Carcieri was a graceful and compassionate First Lady who truly cared about Rhode Islanders. She was always giving of her time and was involved in numerous charitable causes. Her kindness and generosity made Rhode Island a better place and she will be deeply missed. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Carcieri family during this difficult time.”

Cong. David Cicilline said he is keeping the family in his prayers.

"As Rhode Island’s First Lady, Sue Carcieri served our state with honor and grace," he wrote. "I am very saddened to learn of her death today. Sue was a devoted wife and mother whose love for Rhode Island never waned. I’m confident that she will be remembered for the generosity and compassion she showed for the most vulnerable. Her death is our entire state’s loss."

Attorney General Peter Kilmartin praised her for her compassion.

“Sue Carcieri was a person of great compassion, character, integrity and warmth. She, like Governor Carcieri, always took time to find a connection with each person whom she met and could recount the tiniest of details you shared in a conversation long forgotten by others. She was an admired First Lady and will be missed by many. On behalf of Kristine and myself, I extend deepest condolences to Governor Carcieri, their children and grandchildren.”

House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello also offered a tribute.

“Sue Carcieri was a first lady of great character and integrity. In all my dealings with her, she was unfailingly gracious and dignified. She will be sorely missed here in Rhode Island.”

Related Story: Remembering Suzanne Owren Carcieri

Photo Caption: Rhode Island Republican Gov. Don Carcieri, right, watches election results with his wife Sue, left, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006 in a hotel suite in Warwick, R.I. Carcieri is seeking re-election against Democratic challenger Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty. (AP Photo/Stew Milne