EAST PROVIDENCE — The grande dame of East Providence politics and the city's school department, Mildred "Millie" Morris, passed away Wednesday morning, Aug. 2, 2023. She was 88.

Morris, who was a school secretary (now administrative assistant) for decades and was first elected to the East Providence School Committee in 1996. She went on to serve 12 years and held each of the major offices associated with the board: chairperson, vice chair and clerk.

She was also a long-time participant on both the Ward 3 and city-wide Democratic committees, two State Senatorial Committees and a multitude of local campaign committees.

Morris was a founding member of the Friends of Townie Athletics booster club, remaining involved since its inception in 1993 until her death. She was a member of the East Providence High School Hall of Fame as well as a member of the selection committee.

In the community at large, she was a member of the Juvenile Hearing Board, the Crescent Park Carousel Commission and the Citizens Scholarship Foundation.

In addition, in 2021, as part of her “Portraits of a City” series, recognizing notable residents of East Providence, local artist Jennifer Gillooly Cahoon painted the likeness of Morris, David Kelleher and Valerie Perry.

Morris was the devoted mother of Lianne Bartlett, Paula (Bill) Totten and Pamela (Jeff) Santos as well as the loving grandmother of Ryan Totten, Neil Totten, Alec Totten, Kayla Santos, Matthew Santos and Jason Bartlett. She is survived by one sister Carolyn Chadsey and was the sister of the late John Sousa.

Said Manny and Stephanie Vinhateiro in a joint statement, "East Providence has lost a wonderful lady today. Millie Morris was a dear friend/extended family member and a remarkable woman.

"In her lifetime she touched the lives of countless students, friends, neighbors classmates and constituents.

"As a devoted mother, sister, daughter, friend and lifelong Townie, Millie tirelessly made her hometown, of which she was extraordinarily proud, a better place to live, grow and play.

"As a personal friend of over 70 years, it will be difficult to imagine any family, high school or city events without her presence or involvement. Her daily phone calls, her smile, and her wisdom will be missed."

Manny Vinhateiro, who went onto become a principal and superintendent of schools in his native East Providence, credited Morris with helping him get his first job teaching as a substitute. Morris would later assist him as his secretary.

Morris was a member of the EPHS Class of 1952, the first group of seniors to attend the former high school, which remained in operation until the new building was opened in the summer of 2021. She actively participated in organizing many class reunions.

Manny Vinhateiro noted her election to the School Committee "came at a time of great consternation." He said in many ways Morris steered the district out of troubled waters into a more prosperous future.

Condolences came from other notable members of the city.

Said East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of East Providence icon Mildred 'Millie' Morris. Millie was a dear friend to my family and I and to thousands in our community. I loved spending time with Millie and listening to her sound political advice. I was introduced to politics working with Millie on one of her school committee campaigns. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and the thousands of people she has touched in our community."

Added Secretary of State Gregg Amore, who previously spent some three decades as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator in the EP School District, "Mrs. Morris is known by generations of Townies as a friendly face, a caring friend and a tireless public servant. In her time on earth, she definitively made her part of the world a better place. That's quite a legacy."