[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 19, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING MARIELLA POSEY

 Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I would like to pay tribute to 
an inspired community leader, a passionate political activist and a 
tireless public servant to the great State of Washington, Ms. Mariella 
Posey.
  Mariella was born June 23, 1936, in Hammond, IN. She was a graduate 
of Northwestern University, where she took night classes during her 20-
year tenure working at World Book in downtown Chicago.
  In 1984, Mariella's passion for politics took flight when she began 
volunteering with Paul Simon's campaign for the U.S. Senate. After a 
successful election, Mariella packed her bags and moved to Washington, 
D.C. where she served in the newly minted Illinois Senator's office 
until December 1996.
  Then, in November 1997, Mariella joined my staff as our office 
manager, where she served the people of the Evergreen State for 12 
excellent years until 2009. In the office, she was best known for her 
meticulous oversight of the budget while relying on her trusty 
typewriter and adding machine.
  However, what she may be most remembered for was her steadfast 
commitment to the city of Alexandria, serving on the NorthEast 
Citizens' Association since 1986 and on the board since 1991. Mariella 
also served as NECA's co-secretary, co-treasurer, co-chair of the Land 
Use Committee, vice president and as their president. She took on 
issues large and small--including the location of a new stadium for the 
Washington Nationals and the Potomac River coal plant.
  While she lived a private life, Mariella was not shy about her love 
for her cats and dogs and could always be found in front of the 
television at three o'clock watching her favorite show, As the World 
Turns.
  Mariella passed away on Jan. 28, 2013 at the age of 76. She is 
survived by her long-time friend and roommate, Sylvia Sibrover. She 
will be missed dearly by not only myself, but by my staff--both former 
and current.
  I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in paying homage to 
Mariella Posey. She lived a long and full life and I will always be 
grateful for her service in the U.S. Senate.

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