WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WJAR) — The Rhode Island state medical examiner said on Wednesday that one of the bodies found in a Woonsocket home was that of former Mayor Susan Menard.
Officials said they have not yet finalized the identity of a second body found in the home on Monday night.
Police previously said there was no sign of anything criminal and that the investigation continued.
The "severely decomposed" remains of a man and a woman were found in Menard’s Marian Lane home.
Authorities entered the home in hazmat suits equipped with oxygen tanks.
Neighbors said they could smell a strong odor from the house when police opened the door.
Fredy Herrera lives next door.
I was really close to them, I used to help them to take care of the house,” said Herrera. "She was in a wheelchair and I did build a ramp for her so she could get out of the house about two months ago.”Other neighbors shared similar sentiments.
“She was pal," said Maria Carvalho. "She was always there."
Carvalho said she worked in the same building as Menard years ago and was devastated to learn about the bodies found.
“When she was elected mayor of Woonsocket, I actually called and left a message I never heard back," Carvalho said. "Now, I’m feeling bad that I didn’t track back to her."
In 1995, Maynard shattered a glass ceiling, becoming the first woman elected mayor of Woonsocket.
At the time, she told WJAR, "I'm ecstatic because this is very important for me after serving in office for 14 years in this city. It shows me that the people in this city have recognized what I have done and have the confidence in me as the first woman mayor of this city to make a difference.”
Before she was elected mayor, Menard served four years on the Woonsocket School Committee, and 10 years on the City Council.
Her tenure as mayor was marked by occasional scandal.
In 2005, opponents complained that an annual city-sponsored picnic for senior citizens became a campaign event. While some city resources were used for the event, Menard said she paid for it with campaign funds.
In 2008, the police union alleged that the chief and deputy chief had changed some promotional test scores.
The two officials stepped down, and Menard asked Rhode Island State Police to temporarily run the department.
Also in 2008, the state ethics commission investigated a complaint she steered a police motorcycle contract to a dealership owned by her son-in-law. The commission found while she failed to properly disclose that family connection, the city actually saved money on the deal. She was fined $2,000 for the failure to disclose.
In 2009, Menard announced her retirement, then changed her mind and decided to serve out her term. She ultimately chose not to run for an eighth term in office. Her daughter, Carrie, had died just months earlier, leaving two young sons, and Menard said she no longer had the same enthusiasm for the job.
City Council member Leo Fontaine was elected to succeed her. He served two two-year terms before being defeated by current Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt.
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