The Senate has expressed its condolences on the passing of Eileen M. Rao, a cherished member of the Providence community and the matriarch of the Rao family. Eileen was the wife of the late Joseph Rao, Sr., and mother to Janice Valedofsky, Joseph Rao, Jr., and Colleen Rao-Sales. She was a lifelong resident of Providence, born to Anthony and Lillian Menese Santagata, and sister to Everett Santagata. Eileen, along with her husband, co-founded the successful business Mr. Lemon in 1974, where she was affectionately known as "Mama Lemon." Her dedication to perfecting the lemonade recipe contributed significantly to the business's success, which became a family endeavor with her children continuing the legacy.
Eileen Rao was also a grandmother to three and a great-grandmother to eight, who were the loves of her life. She is remembered by her children as an irrepressible and strong individual, yet gentle at heart. The Senate has resolved to extend its deepest sympathy and condolences to the Rao family for their loss. The Secretary of State has been directed to transmit certified copies of this resolution to Eileen Rao's children, Janice Valedofsky, Joseph Rao, Jr., and Colleen Rao-Sales, as a formal expression of the Senate's sentiments.