[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 20037]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING THAIS F. O'DONNELL BLATNIK

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of 
a dear friend and a remarkable West Virginian who passed away on 
December 9th, 2015. Former West Virginia State senator and house of 
delegates member, Thais F. O'Donnell Blatnik, was a dedicated public 
servant and an inspiring leader who was respected and admired by all 
who knew her. She led an extraordinary life that will always be 
remembered in the hearts of the countless individuals whose lives she 
touched.
  Thais was a proud West Virginian from our State's northern panhandle. 
She was born and raised in the town of Weirton, where she grew up with 
her loving parents and her two younger sisters, Eileen and Kay. It was 
there in the small town of Weirton that Thais would plant her roots and 
cultivate an inherent love and commitment to her community, the 
northern panhandle region, and her entire State.
  Thais went on to live a long and prosperous life, filled with immense 
success. But she never strayed too far from her loved ones and friends 
in Weirton and the northern panhandle. After graduating from high 
school, she attended and graduated from West Liberty University and 
launched a tireless career in journalism. After college, Thais returned 
to her beloved hometown to work for the Weirton Daily Times. She also 
spent part of her career working for the Wheeling Intelligencer and as 
an editor for the Dominion Post.
  During her journalism career, Thais developed her inquisitive nature 
along with her passion for asking the hard questions. She was a true 
force, and she was tough but fair when it came to telling the news. She 
covered all levels of politics, and she even had the opportunity to 
interview three U.S. Presidents: President Kennedy, President Ford, and 
President Roosevelt. As a result of her work in journalism, she was 
emboldened to run for office herself and to stand up for the northern 
panhandle communities she loved so dearly.
  Just as Thais was a fierce journalist, she became an equally strong 
and passionate public servant. Genuinely committed to improving the 
lives of all West Virginians, she represented Ohio County for 8 years 
in the house of delegates and another 8 years in the State senate. I 
was proud to work alongside her and call her my colleague during my 
time in the State senate. Thais spent her time at the statehouse 
fighting to improve the lives of all West Virginians, but specifically 
women and children and those struggling with mental health and 
disabilities. She was honored for her great work and for her service as 
Mental Health Directors Legislator of the Year and recognized by the 
West Virginia Association for the Developmentally Disabled for her 
faithful work helping children with exceptionalities. Thais also served 
as the executive director of the Wheeling Area Training Center for the 
Handicapped, WATCH.
  Thais was not only reputable and accomplished in her public life, but 
she was also an unparalleled example of a devoted wife, a proud mother, 
and a wonderful grandmother. She was married to the late Dr. Albert M. 
Blatnik for more than 48 years and paid tribute to him in a book she 
wrote titled ``Here's Al.'' Thais received love and support throughout 
her life from Al as well as her children--Floyd, Judy, and David--and 
her grandchildren--Katie, Jack, Joe, Maggie, and Sam--who lovingly 
called her ``Meme.'' During their lives, Thais and Al led their 
grandchildren across the country introducing them to exciting new 
experiences.
  Anyone who knew Thais Blatnik can tell you about her incredible 
passion for her community and her State and her ability to inspire each 
person she encountered. She made a difference throughout West Virginia 
and will be forever remembered for her many years of service. She was 
truly a hero to so many in our State, and though she will be greatly 
missed, her memory will always live on.

                          ____________________