NEWPORT -- Calling her a trailblazer, City Council members took time out before their Wednesday, April 11 meeting to remember former state Sen. June Gibbs, who passed away on Easter Sunday.
Leading a moment of silence, Mayor Stephen C. Waluk said that Gibbs had a "long and full" life, and her contributions to Aquidneck Island were many.
Born June 13, 1922 in Newton, Mass., Gibbs was elected to the Rhode Island state senate in 1984, where she served until 2008.
Over the years, she represented Middletown, Little Compton, and parts of Portsmouth, Newport and Tiverton. She was Deputy Minority Leader from 1985 until the end of her tenure in the legislature. Prior to this, she served on the Middletown Town Council from 1974 to 1980 and from 1982 to 1984. She was the first woman elected to the council and the first woman council president.
Known for her active lifestyle (she had a fondness for windsurfing), she could often be found enjoying the outdoors even in her later years.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012, from 4-8pm in the Hambly Funeral Home, "Brick House", 30 Red Cross Ave., in Newport.
A Memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2012, at 2 p.m. in the United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Rd., in Middletown.
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