[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14456]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MARY ELLEN NELSON

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, 18 years ago, Mary Ellen Nelson started in 
my Kalispell office. In that time, Mary Ellen earned the respect and 
admiration of her colleagues both in my offices across the State, in 
Washington, DC and with the Finance Committee. Staff always enjoyed 
getting the chance to talk with Mary Ellen and hear her words of 
wisdom. I have treasured her caring nature and thoughtful advice and am 
grateful for all her hard work over the years. It is important to note: 
my staff members don't just work for me--they work for all Montanans. 
Mary Ellen has served the young, the old, the successful, the 
downtrodden, and Montanans of all political stripes. It has been an 
honor to have her on staff and to work together for the State we 
cherish.
  Working for VISTA is what brought Mary Ellen to Montana where she met 
and married her husband Ray of 34 years. A few years later they moved 
to Kalispell where she worked for the school system and the mentally 
disabled children of Flathead Valley before her work in the U.S Senate. 
Mary Ellen's compassion to others resonates in her dedication to her 
family, community and the constituents of Montana. Mary Ellen has 
helped thousands of Montanans work their way through Social Security, 
Medicare, and other issues throughout the years. Her calm, nurturing 
character and commitment to helping others have benefitted thousands of 
Montanans throughout her 18 years of service.
  A few years ago when Mary Ellen's two sons were graduating from 
college, I told her that graduations and weddings were important events 
and needed to be celebrated. The same is true of retirements. Mary 
Ellen will be enjoying her hours with her family, including her son 
Matthew in Kalispell, son George and daughter-in-law Monica in DC, her 
90-year-old father, Leo Holland, and visiting her first grandchild 
Dominic who was born on Mary Ellen's birthday January 24 of this year. 
Mary Ellen, congratulations, good luck, and enjoy your retirement. 
Thank you for your many years of service in my office, the U.S. Senate, 
the community of Kalispell, and countless Montanans for your tireless 
work to help others. We are sure going to miss you, your talents, and 
your warm and accommodating personality.
  Mary Ellen is proud of her Irish heritage so I would like to end with 
this Irish Retirement Blessing:

     May you always have work
     for your hands to do.
     May your pockets hold
     always a coin or two.
     May the sun shine bright
     on your windowpane.
     May the rainbow be certain
     to follow each rain.
     May the hand of a friend
     always be near you.
     And may God fill your heart
     with gladness to cheer you.

                          ____________________