[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 113 (Wednesday, September 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MARY ELLEN MENAPACE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 13, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Mary 
Ellen Menapace, who was chosen ``New Mexico's Outstanding Older Worker 
of 2006.'' At the young age of 87, she continues to work and is 
currently the deputy village clerk of the village of Roy, located in 
eastern New Mexico, serving the residents with great honor, pride and 
distinction.
  With only a few years' exception, Mrs. Menapace has worked 
continually since she was a high school student. She was only 17 when 
she began her first full-time job. Beginning in 1934, Mrs. Menapace's 
positions have been many and varied, including employment for the New 
Mexico State Health and Welfare Department, an abstract company, the 
Selective Service System during WorId War II and as a deputy county and 
court clerk, payroll clerk, secretary and an office manager. She 
proudly states that the key to her professional longevity and success 
has been the enjoyment she experienced in each and every job, and the 
total dedication she always gave during her many years of employment.
  Noting all the advancements that have transpired in the workplace 
since high school, Mrs. Menapace's early years involved the use of a 
manual typewriter rather than a computer, carbon paper instead of a 
copier, and Gregg shorthand instead of e-mail. As the years passed, she 
committed to being the best she could be in every position she ever 
held. In order to accomplish that goal, and as office work became more 
technically advanced, Mrs. Menapace diligently took advantage of all 
training provided in order to enhance her knowledge and to improve her 
skills.
  Mrs. Menapace could have completely retired at many junctures but 
instead chose to continue contributing to the betterment of her 
community. Her current position requires that she locate resources to 
fund village projects. One particular example of her success was 
securing grants to purchase trees and flowers to landscape both the 
main street and village park of Roy as part of the ``Keep New Mexico 
Beautiful'' State program. Another accomplishment was securing funds to 
purchase 75 trees that were planted to shield and shelter Roy's solid 
waste station.
  Mary Ellen Menapace is truly a most remarkable lady. She helped 
support her parents and siblings during the Great Depression, was the 
sole provider for her own family during her husband's long illness and 
subsequent death, and is, herself, a cancer survivor. A devoted 
grandmother, she takes great pride and gratification that her later 
employment enabled her to raise and educate a grandson as well as 
assist a granddaughter-in-law in finishing law school. With all these 
responsibilities, Mrs. Menapace has somehow managed to be active in her 
community, in civic and professional organizations, and in her church. 
Another amazing talent is writing award-winning poetry and short 
stories, a gift she inherited from her father, who, she proudly 
proclaims, was also an agriculture and veterinary science visionary.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully request that all my colleagues join me in 
giving tribute to Mary Ellen Menapace. She is an invaluable employee, a 
loving family member, a devoted member of her community, an exceptional 
New Mexican, and an honored American.

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