A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR MARY DENIS CAUTHEN UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER ALMOST FORTY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE to the state of south carolina, AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, Mary Denis Cauthen's notable service to the House of Representatives began in 1984 with the Ways and Means Committee where she served as a budget analyst until 1989, having earned a bachelor's degree (1980) in anthropology and a Master of Public Administration (1984), both from the University of South Carolina. Always seizing the day, she took a sabbatical after leaving the Ways and Means Committee and embarked on an extended sailing adventure with her husband, George. Avid travelers, the couple has visited each of the seven continents over the course of their lifetime; and

Whereas, upon her return, she was hired in 1990 to serve as the director of research for the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee, where she worked for 32 years, and was affectionately known as "MD" by her friends and associates there. It is not an overstatement to say that she has trained generations of members and staff alike; and

Whereas, as the 3M Committee's research director, she served the members and the committee with distinction and was a consummate professional, always demonstrating civility and integrity in the workplace, as well as keen wit and delightful sense of humor. All who had the opportunity to work with Mary Denis in any capacity were fortunate; and

Whereas, when not in the Blatt Building or House chamber, Mary Denis, the self-described "crazy cat lady," could often be spotted outside feeding the many feline friends who adopted her over the years and called the State House grounds their home, including Cali, Maurice, Onyx, and Rudy. In addition to meeting their nutritional needs, she maintained their veterinary care throughout their lives; and

Whereas, many families owe her a great debt of gratitude for matching them with what would become their much loved family pet as she trapped and rehomed a multitude of other cats and kittens from the State House grounds. For over twenty years she has given animals a voice as a dedicated board member and past president of the Humane Society. The golden thread that runs through her many talents is that she is passionate about and dedicated to saving the lives of animals; and

Whereas, her animal rescue efforts have not been limited to cats. More recently, she single-handedly caught and redirected a lost bird who took a wrong turn, ending up in the Senate chamber before MD nabbed the feathered friend in the cookie room and set it free; and

Whereas, grateful for her many years of distinguished and unparalleled service to the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee and the Palmetto State, the South Carolina House of Representatives takes great pleasure in extending best wishes to Mary Denis Cauthen as she transitions to a richly deserved retirement. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Mary Denis Cauthen upon the occasion of her retirement after almost forty years of outstanding service to the State of South Carolina, and wish her continued success and happiness in all her future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mary Denis Cauthen.

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