[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 19 (Tuesday, January 31, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S1799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        TRIBUTE TO KENTUCKY FIRST LADY MILDRED WATKINS CHANDLER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the memory of 
former Kentucky First Lady Mildred Watkins ``Mama'' Chandler, who 
passed away on January 23 at her home in Versailles.
  Over the course of her 95 years, Mrs. Chandler's strength of spirit 
and keen intellect were clearly evident in every facet of her life. For 
Kentuckians, her legacy begin in 1925 when she wed Mr. Albert B. 
Chandler and soon became his most accomplished campaigner and political 
supporter. The grace of Mrs. Chandler's musical talents and attentive 
demeanor provided invaluable support to her husband Albert's 
distinguished service as Kentucky's Governor, U.S. Senator, and 
commissioner of major league baseball.
  Politics did not embody her whole life, however. Mrs. Chandler 
developed strong career interests of her own. She taught piano and 
voice prior to her marriage. During her husband's term in the U.S. 
Senate, she worked as a writer for 20th Century Fox in Hollywood. At 
home in Kentucky, her award-winning weekly column for the Woodford Sun 
was enjoyed by many. Above all, she most cherished her time as mother 
and mentor to her children and grandchildren.
  Mr. President, I ask that my colleagues join me in sending this 
Chamber's sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Mildred Watkins 
``Mama'' Chandler. Kentucky will remember Mrs. Chandler as one of our 
most beloved first ladies, and I am confident that her breadth of 
accomplishment and strength of character will remain a standard of 
excellence for generations to come.

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