[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 175 (Tuesday, November 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S16728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE DEATH OF MARTHA MOLONEY

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, I rise to speak today on a matter that 
brings me great personal sadness. A loyal and trusted member of my 
staff, Martha Moloney, passed away over the weekend, after a long 
battle with cancer.
  I know that many of my colleagues will understand when I say that my 
staff is like a second family to me. And perhaps, it is even more 
pronounced for me, because of the length of time my staff has continued 
to serve me with such loyalty and dedication. Martha was one of those 
staffers, working with me for 18 years, nearly my entire service in the 
Senate.
  Over the years, I had the privilege to see her develop her 
legislative acumen, having a hand in numerous historic legislative 
achievements and working on airport projects all across my State.
  I depended immensely on her political sense and her knowledge of 
aviation and telecommunications issues. Her work certainly did not go 
unnoticed in Kentucky. Because of her commitment of time and energy, 
officials at one of our largest airports named a street after her. I 
will be forever grateful for the countless times that her advice and 
counsel helped me make the best decisions for Kentucky and the Nation. 
I know that many Kentuckians will share my belief that she will be 
impossible to replace.
  I also saw her confront a terrible illness and turn it into a series 
a personal triumphs. Because of her bravery and commitment, last year's 
National Race for the Cure on behalf of breast cancer, had over 200 
participants who ran, walked, and said, ``Doing it for Martha.'' As a 
result of the personal outpouring of support on her behalf, the entire 
race will be dedicated in Martha's honor next year. It is the largest 5 
kilometer race in the world.
  If you look simply at her 25 years of public service, first in her 
native Kentucky and then in Washington, you cannot help but be 
impressed by her commitment to a State and its people. But, that really 
does not begin to define a woman whose gifts and talents were many.
  I know my fellow Kentuckians will agree when I say she was a true 
southern woman in the best of that tradition. She was intelligent and 
articulate, not a bit afraid to speak her mind, a gracious hostess and 
talented artist creating beautiful quilts and needlework, and to the 
end, compassionate and giving.
  She was the accomplished cook who was as proud of the meal she cooked 
at Christ House or Carpenter's homeless shelter as she was of the 
gourmet spread you were guaranteed when invited to dinner.
  She was the woman who faced death much too early, yet was determined 
in the last months of needlepoint the Christmas ornaments her friends 
and colleagues had come to expect each year, before it was too late.
  Not long ago, I read the words of a pastor who said that ``If you 
look hard enough, you can see God's image even in someone whose life is 
foreign to yours, and you can have compassion for him.'' In the end, I 
believe that is the life Martha had come to live, turning the skills 
that led to an accomplished career, into the large and small acts of 
kindness and generosity that touched all those who knew her and may who 
did not. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.

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