Mary's Retirement from Education

Oh wise one!

5-27-08

Mary,

I used to refer to Bruce Stenhjem as "Oh Wise one," and you have definitely earned the title! It must come with the directorship... it certainly is not always easy, but there is plenty of opportunity to earn wisdom! Thanks for sharing all of your wisdom with us, for keeping us grounded with an occasional lunch at the Mandarin (those fortunes can get interesting at times!), and for always caring about who we are as people.

I'm green with envy as I watch you move toward retirement, but no one deserves it more than you!

Thanks again.

Christina Bemboom

Time well Spent!

May 27, 2008

Congratulations Mary!
I know that I have only been working at the Rum River Coop. for 2 years, but I have learned so much in those 2 years.
I realized how much I appreciate knowing I am fully supported and can come to you with any problems or questions I may have with students, interpreters, etc.
I must say I have been very fortunate (knock on wood) and haven't had any major mishaps - but I was always very comforted in knowing that if I did I could come to you. I want you to know that I so much appreciate that especially since our jobs can be so isolating!

Good luck in your next step and thank you again for everything!!
Katie Santjer :o)

Dave Lucca's chair

5/27/08

You are one of the few in the RRSEC that still remember Dave Lucca's chair. It was the big old green leather and wood rolling office chair that went with him everywhere. Only Dave could really fill that chair. It is now somewhere at the RRSEC offices. That chair has seen many come and go and now it is your turn. Here is wishing you the best in your future adventures. I will be thinking of you as you sit by the lake up in Grand Rapids. I will also see and hear from you occasionally as our new low Incidence director. That green office chair will probably be at RRSEC long after we have gone on to greener pastures. Ha Love Jann Schmidt

Passion and Integrity

5-26-08

Mary, I tried to think of a word that seemed to best describe you as I've known you for the past 11 years, but had to settle for two. I've met very few people with more passion for doing what's best for kids with disabilities, even when it meant going the extra mile. I have never known you to go halfway, even when those around you sometimes wished you would! I remember when I started at RRSEC, I wondered why you worked so hard, sometimes pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion, often in situations where you got little or no thanks (in fact, quite the opposite). But it didn't take very long to realize it is your strong sense of integrity, of wanting to do not only what's best, but what's right. Thank you for that! It's a great legacy you leave with me, and everyone else who has worked with you!

Thanks for all you've done for me along the way. I will miss your leadership. Best wishes on this new "phase" in your life. I hope you are able to catch up on plenty of much-deserved relaxation and enjoyment.

Mark

Thanks for everything.

5-26-2008

Mary- You've always been one of my greatest cheerleaders, and for that I say thank you! Because of your support and mentoring I am able to move confidently into my new role at the RRSEC. Enjoy your morning coffee on the deck, your carefree weekends at the cabin and relaxing dinners that "you've" cooked. You'll be missed by all.

Pauline

What a Giving Boss!

5-23-2008

I am so glad I accepted this position. You and your admin staff have made this the best place that I have ever worked. As a part-time employee, I feel like a full-time friend. Your generosity from your travels has been very much appreciated. That Key Lime Juice, wow! Vanilla, Mmmm!

Thank You so much for giving me the opportunity to work with these great people! Liz Toward

ENJOY!

5-23-08

Mary,
When we met at CADRE in 1979, I admired your energy and enthusiasm as a hard working person. But working closely with you as your Administrative Assistant for the past 15 years, I've appreciated those positive qualities even more - I am sure the nuns would be very proud of you! Enjoy your retirement from RRSEC and know that you'll be greatly missed!
Lu

Congratulations!

5-21-2008

Mary,
Congratulations on your retirement! I had the pleasure to work with you for 11 years while I was at Milaca. I still miss you!! You are truly an amazing woman. Thank you for all of your support and wisdom over the years. I wish you all the best. Relax, unwind and enjoy your retirement!!
Michelle Nelson

Relax

May 2008

I remember a few years ago, as we spoke about your future retirement, you were lamenting over what you would do with your free time. I am so glad that you now have a "part-time" job to help ease the burden of nothing to do.

I want to thank you for all of the guidance that you have given me over the last thirteen years. Thank you for encouraging me to become a member of the COOP staff. I have experienced an adventure that would not have been possible without you.

Enthusiasm

5-16-2008

The title describes your passion for helping all of us teachers and students. You represented us well at the legislature and tried hard to get us to understand all the laws. You always encouraged us, even when you saw all our blank looks! Hope you can learn to RELAX!! Have a great time during your retirement years.
Sue Oehrlein

Oh fearless leader!

5-15-2008

Mary,
First of all, thank you for the many, many times you wokred tirelessly for the Milaca Schools. In the past eight years I have had the pleasure of working with you, I have found the following truisms.....1) Mary is always right 2) I am always wrong. Darn! That's hard to take. We wish you well and will suffer the loss of you for many years to come.
Barbra Zakrajsek, Superintendent, Milaca

Congratulations

5-15-08

Mary,
Quite a journey we have been on for the past 34 years! Now it's time for you to learn to relax a little!!?? I'm grateful our paths crossed...for your encouragement and support. I wish for you the very best in your "retirement" for that is what you have given each day...your very best!
God Bless,
Mary Brelie

Here's to your next career!

May 15, 2008

Mary,

I sat at the table the day you were interviewed for the RRSEC director position. I was doing my internship for the superintendency with John McBroom from Mora that summer and was invited to the interviews! I can hardly believe how the years have flown by. I have always appreciated working with you. You have been so welcoming and confident in your help. You have always been prompt with a response or resources when I have yelled, "HELP!".

I know you will not really be retiring! So, here's to your next "career"! Thank you for everything!

Sincerely, Kris Stueve, Isanti Primary School Principal

On the Lighter Side from Peg and Jeannine

May 13, 2008

Mary,

Here’s wishing you well with suggestions to boot
Sorry you’re leaving and don’t give a hoot

When you think you miss us and your old job,
Remember the following, and try not to sob

We won’t try hard to save your good name,
You’ll be the target for us to place blame

So let’s get down to what is really the core
Forget Special Education and its endless wars

Forget due process and all its rules,
The people you’ve worked with, especially the fools

Forget those tough, hostile and unreasonable meetings
And going home drained from the brutal beatings

Forget the weekends you always seemed to miss
Because work seemed to take over your wedded bliss

Forget all the names you called the MDE
And all the confusion over IEPs

You’ve made our job easy on some days for sure
But regarding deadlines, you were really a turd

Now here it is, Mary, what we will never forget
And keep in mind we owe you this debt

Lasik surgery, what a mess
Eye drops flowing, a definite yes

Hurt your knee, a gash in the leg
We heard it really happened when you fell over the keg

Nervous foot, Laughter loud, smile wide
Don’t want to hear your karaoke side

Work conversations we cannot share
Included massages, lotions, hot flashes, and gray hair

Now, we’ve kept this mild so all can read
And there are no repercussions for us to heed

Best wishes, Mary, in your next professional career
Where part-time turns to full time in just one year

Just one more question we really needed to ask
-----Who will tell Mike to be quiet and stay on task?

Thanks for all of your support and concern - best of everything to you and please enjoy your part-time retirement.

Peg and Jeannine

You're an Inspiration!

May 14, 2008

Mary, You were an instrumental part of my beginning in the Cambridge-Isanti District and you have continued to play a valuable part throughout my career here. You have been an inspiration to me over the years and I know that I will think of your words and actions for many years to come. I admire your energy and commitment to "our cause" (the children and parents that deal with disabilities). I am sure that you will continue to be an active advocate, so we will probably hear more about you over time. Enjoy your "part-time" career and "part-time" retirement, you deserve it!!!
Roxanne Carlson
Cambridge Primary School

Best Wishes to You!

May 14, 2008

Mary,
34 years in education........ Yikes!
Let’s see that makes you.....hmmmmm.
Oh, who am I kidding? I am right there with you!
I have enjoyed your energy and passion for special education. You truly inspire those around you.
Good luck in your next endeavor, I am sure you will be a great success!
Audri Erickson
Mora High School

Wendie Anderson; Trailview Principal

May 14, 2008

Mary,
I have always appreciated your professionalism and expert advice concerning special education issues. I had peace of mind knowing I could always call or e-mail you with my questions and concerns. You replies were always done in a timely manner and many times you were willing to come in person to help me with an issue. I wish you the best in your refocusing years! Thanks for everything you have done to benefit students, teachers, and administrators.
Wendie Anderson; Trailview Principal

Thank you Mary.

5-13-2008

It is hard for me to believe that we have worked together for 20 years. I have always admired your drive and dedication to your job. I can honestly say I don't know anyone who works harder at this job than you do! I want you to know I sincerely appreciate your efforts on behalf of the students, families, and staff. I wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement.