[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 27, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6299-S6300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING PAULINE MARTENS

 Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today I honor the life and 
contributions of Pauline Ruth Martens, who recently passed away at the 
age of 87. Born in Maine and raised near Boston, Pauline came to Alaska 
soon after World War II with her husband Arnold. Her relationship with 
the Frontier State began, much as it did with her beloved Arnold, with 
love at first sight.
  In many ways, Pauline's life was about taking the next step while 
never leaving those who were most important behind. The period after 
WWII was an exciting time in Alaska, and Pauline was an active 
participant in the development of Anchorage, the Great Land's largest 
city. While raising their family, Pauline and Arnold worked together to 
develop both business and residential properties, including the Palm 
Motel and the Forest Park South subdivision. To Pauline, however, it 
was her relationships with family and friends--her role in guiding her 
children and grandchildren and helping her friends and community--that 
mattered most.
  In addition to the love she gave to her family, Pauline brought her 
ideals, her zest for life, and her strong character to bear on helping 
those in the community around her. Beginning as a Girl Scout troop 
leader during her daughter's Scouting years, to becoming a board member 
and chairman of the Susitna Council of the Alaska Girl Scouts, 
Pauline's contributions to the development of Alaska's young women were 
significant and positive. As her own children grew, Pauline took on the 
role of helping other children take positive steps forward as a member 
of the board of Junior Achievement and Hope Cottages, which serves 
developmentally disabled children and their families.
  In whatever endeavor Pauline Martens took on, she was never just a 
name on a roster. She believed that any undertaking deserved her full 
participation. So it was no surprise that her commitment to the 
Republican Party led to her service in roles both ordinary and 
distinguished. Whether as the ``bouncer'' at the Annual International 
Food Festival, poll watcher, FREE member promoting the opening of ANWR, 
State chairman of the Alaska Republican Party, or president of the 
Alaska Federation of Republican Women, Pauline worked hard for those 
who shared her beliefs and ideals. Her enthusiasm, hard work, and 
commitment earned her the title of Woman of the Year in three separate 
decades from the Anchorage Republican Women's Club, and the Lifetime 
Achievement Award from the Republican Party of Alaska.
  Pauline was a mentor to many young Republican women--including me. 
She gave encouragement, good counsel, and always a warm smile. I recall 
many Republican State conventions working side by side with Pauline 
while she directed so much of the political operations with a 
graciousness that was appreciated by all.
  Still, it was Pauline's love for her family and the beauty of 
Alaska's

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mountains and lakes that many will remember most. I know that she will 
continue to guide and inspire her children, grandchildren, and the many 
Alaskans who loved her. I am certain that each time we glimpse Alaska's 
majestic mountains, lakes, and rivers we will remember Pauline with a 
smile.

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