Former Woonsocket Mayor's Body Found In Her Home

WOONSOCKET, RI — One of the two bodies found in former Woonsocket Mayor Susan Menard's home Monday was Menard, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Health said Wednesday.

Menard was found dead inside her Marian Lane home, along with another body. Authorities have not released the identity of the other body, other than saying it was an elderly man. Both bodies were "severely decomposed," according to Woonsocket police.

Police were at the former mayor's home on Marian Lane on Monday night after neighbors reported a foul smell, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas Oates told WPRI. Neighbors also said they had not seen the home's occupants in several weeks. Police entered the home through a window and found the bodies.

Menard served as Woonsocket mayor from 1995 until 2009, according to the city's website. She was the first woman to be elected as the city’s mayor.

Prior to serving as mayor, Menard spent a decade on the city council and four years on the school committee.

The bodies were removed from the home by a medical examiner for identification. A medical examiner will also determine the cause of death, NBC News reported — though foul play is not suspected.