Raimondo Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Virginia Chafee

Raimondo Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Virginia Chafee

Rhod Island Governor Gina Raimondo is ordering flags at all state agencies and buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of former RI First Lady Virginia Chafee.

As GoLocalProv reported, Chafee passed away at the age of 93 on Saturday.

“Virginia Chafee was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend. She was a proud environmentalist and champion of Rhode Island's open spaces. Andy and I are keeping her loved ones, particularly her children and grandchildren, in our prayers during this difficult time,” said Raimondo.

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The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on Wednesday, March 25, the day of interment.

About Chafee

About Chafee, GoLocalProv wrote on Saturday: 

Chafee was the wife of John Chafee — one of Rhode Island’s greatest statesmen and arguably the most pro-environment senator in the history of the chamber.

Her son -- Lincoln Chafee -- served as a United States Senator and Governor of Rhode Island.

John Chafee was elected Governor of Rhode Island at the age of 40 years old in 1962.

He then served as Secretary of the Navy and United States Senator — the life took the couple to live in the Washington, D.C. area for decades.

Mrs. Chafee was the mother of six children including Lincoln Chafee, the former U.S. Senator and Governor of Rhode Island. Today, he is a potential candidate for the Libertarian Party nomination for president.

The couple lost one child in a horseback riding accident.

She is survived by her children, besides Lincoln, including Zechariah, Georgia, John Jr., and Quintin.

In addition, she was the aunt of Lisa Najeeb Halaby -- later Queen Noor of Jordan.