[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12810]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING COLLEEN MONSON BANGERTER

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, thank you for the opportunity to pay 
tribute today to a remarkable woman, quintessential wife and mother, 
and superb first lady for the State of Utah--Colleen Monson Bangerter. 
Sadly she passed away on the evening of Friday, July 29, 2011, from the 
effects of Alzheimer's disease. She was at home, the place she loved to 
be with her husband former Utah Governor Norman H. Bangerter.
  Colleen was a wonderful human being who was always willing to serve 
others. She served as Utah's first lady from 1985-1993, while her 
husband Norman H. Bangerter was the Governor. During her years as first 
lady she undertook many causes close to her heart, including teenage 
drug use, and challenges facing women and families. She hosted a yearly 
drug awareness conference for teens and took First Lady Nancy Reagan's 
Just Say No Program to every corner of the State. Additionally she 
hosted an annual conference on strengthening families to address the 
important challenges affecting the health and well-being of families 
across our great State.
  She stood by her husband's side as he led Utah through a very 
important time in our State's history. They advocated for economic 
development and she was a tremendous ambassador for Utah as they met 
with leaders throughout the Nation and even overseas encouraging new 
business development.
  Colleen not only excelled at the initiatives she undertook for our 
state, she also served in many capacities as she raised her children 
including the PTA, and in many important positions for her church--The 
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Colleen and Norm presided 
over the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission from 1996-1999. In this 
role she was a kind, and loving asset to the many missionaries who 
joined them in the work in South Africa.
  Colleen and Norm raised six children and one foster son. They now 
have 30 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She was the light of 
her family and could always be found in the middle of the fun. She 
enjoyed spending time at their cabin in beautiful Utah, as well as 
their second home in St. George. She always made people feel welcome 
and embraced many who crossed their paths.
  Colleen Bangerter will be very missed by her wonderful husband Norm 
and their family. There was a special warmth and goodness about this 
lady and I will never forget her twinkling eyes and bright smile. She 
was kind to all she met, and was a partner in every sense of the word 
to her husband. Elaine and I love Norm and Colleen very much, and hope 
that Norm and his family will find some peace and comfort in the 
wonderful memories they share with this remarkable woman. Her life's 
work touched many lives and she will be forever remembered as someone 
who truly cared about others, and in doing good for her family and 
community.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Tennessee.

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