[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 16, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   REMEMBERING PAULA EKONOMOS KOZLEN

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I ask 
my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of my dear friend, Paula 
Kozlen, a former marketing executive, avid tennis player, world 
traveler, community leader, beloved wife, sister, stepmother, aunt, and 
friend, who passed away on August 29, 2015, after a courageous battle 
with cancer.
  Paula was truly one of a kind. Her energy and determination, her 
sense of humor and adventure, her incredibly kind heart and love of 
life will always be remembered by everyone lucky enough to have crossed 
her path during her amazing life.
  Paula was born in Illinois on July 26, 1952. After graduating from 
Western Illinois University with a degree in education, she embarked on 
a long and successful career in marketing and sales for several major 
corporations around the country. Paula's career provided her with the 
opportunity to travel, which became a lifelong passion. She loved 
visiting new places and developed deep and lasting friendships with 
people all over the world who were drawn to her extraordinarily 
compassionate and generous personality. Of all the places she traveled, 
she found her home in the Coachella Valley of Southern California.
  Paula cared so deeply about helping others and improving her 
community, and she gave her time and energy without reservation. She 
dedicated herself to supporting music, theatre, and education in the 
Coachella Valley, served on boards for organizations that provide 
services to those in need, and dropped everything to help the people of 
New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Paula was the type of 
person who wouldn't hesitate when she saw people in need and knew that 
she could make a difference.
  My entire family joins me in mourning her loss and sending our 
heartfelt condolences to Paula's husband, Vern Kozlen; sisters 
Katherine Wolcott, and husband Keene, and Vicki Griffin, and husband 
Michael; step-son Mark Kozlen; and niece Katherine Griffin.
  Those of us who were lucky enough to have known Paula will be forever 
grateful for the extraordinary time we had with her, the example she 
set, and the wonderful memories that we will forever cherish. We truly 
walked in her light. She will be deeply missed.

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