[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16329]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING NORMA HOLMGREN

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I appreciate the opportunity today to pay 
tribute to a wonderful woman, devoted mother and grandmother, loyal 
friend, exceptional employee, and patriotic American Norma Holmgren. 
Norma was my Northern Utah Area Director for 26 years and was devoted 
to our state and nation.
  Sadly, Norma passed away this past weekend, as a result of a tragic 
accident as she was taking her daily walk. Norma kept herself very 
active and physically fit and you could often find Norma walking the 
streets of her neighborhood enjoying her surroundings and neighbors.
  Norma retired from public service almost 10 years ago, however her 
retirement did not stop her from participating in her community and 
continuing her interest in Republican politics. In fact, my staff 
contacted her last week to seek her advice on a constituent's request. 
She was always available and happy to share her knowledge. She spent 
many years working for the ideas and philosophy of the Republican 
Party, and assumed numerous leadership positions to further the cause. 
Norma loved politics and even after leaving the government and 
political arena, she still loved a good political conversation and was 
keenly interested in what was happening in our state and nation.
  Norma was a ferocious reader, and it was not unusual for Norma to 
visit her local Costco and buy up to 20 books at a time. She loved to 
learn and continue her education on so many issues, and would spend 
hours curled up with a good book.
  She also loved antiques and was widely known for her collections that 
she beautifully displayed throughout her home. She would often invite 
friends to come and see her latest find or beautiful item and she was 
very proud of her life-long interest of antiques.
  Norma accomplished many great things in her life, yet perhaps her 
greatest accomplishment was the loving care and nurture she always 
displayed to her son Randy and his wife, whom she dearly loved. She 
also adored being a grandmother, and took great pride in her family and 
the relationships they shared. I had the pleasure of hosting Norma's 
granddaughter Emily as a Senate page several years ago and I could see 
first-hand the great traits Norma had instilled in her granddaughter.
  I am grateful I had the opportunity to work with Norma for many 
years, and consider her a true friend. She believed in public service 
and demonstrated her commitment to excellence on so many occasions. She 
was a fierce advocate for the military and spent years working as a 
liaison for me at Hill Air Force Base where she garnered the respect 
and admiration of the military leaders on the Base. Her influence in so 
many areas will never be forgotten.
  Norma's life touched many and she will be forever remembered as 
someone who truly cared about her family, her friends, and in doing 
good for her community. Elaine and I would like to extend our deepest 
sympathies to Norma's family at the loss of their mother and 
grandmother; and pray that they will find some peace and comfort in the 
memories they have shared.

                          ____________________