Update: Severely Decomposing Body Found in Rhode Island Home Identified as Former Woonsocket Mayor Susan Menard

Two severely decomposed bodies were found in the home of a former Rhode Island mayor Susan Menard on Monday.

According to reports, a neighbor called the police to conduct a welfare check saying he hadn’t seen the elderly couple in a week.

The neighbor also told police there was a strong odor coming from the Woonsocket home.

Officers discovered the deceased elderly couple upon entering the home.

It turns out that one of the severely decomposing bodies found in former Rhode Island mayor’s home was former Woonsocket mayor Susan Menard.

Police say there were no signs of foul play.

WJAR reported:

The Rhode Island state medical examiner confirmed Wednesday that one of the bodies found in the home of former Mayor Susan Menard was hers.

Candles, flowers and stuffed animals were left on the front steps of the house as word of Menard’s death spread.

City leaders said they were shocked and devastated.

“She was a tenacious woman. She fought for the community. She served on the School Committee then the City Council,” said incumbent Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt.

Menard went on to become Woonsocket’s first female mayor in 1995, and the second woman to serve as mayor in the state.

“She was a champion for women,” said John Dionne, a friend and former co-worker.

Menard was widely respected by current and former city leaders.