A Goodbye Note From Director, Don Lilljedahl

December 22, 2016

Dear Mary Lee Board, Staff, Clients and Friends,

I have found it necessary to submit my resignation to Mary Lee Foundation due to health issues effective December 23, 2016.

The job has not always been easy, but always challenging and fulfilling. I want everyone to know how much the opportunity to work as Director for Mary Lee has meant to me. I could not have chosen a more rewarding, uplifting, (and yes, sometimes very difficult!) place to spend my last 47 working years. My goal has always been to help others whenever and wherever I can. Mary Lee has given me that opportunity and I leave with the knowledge and the satisfaction that I have, hopefully, in some ways, accomplished this. One of my favorite quotes is from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To leave this earth a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition, to know that even one life breathed easier because you lived – that is to have succeeded.” I am grateful that Mary Lee has provided me with the privilege of helping others and to make a positive difference in the lives of special, deserving persons.

I urge you to give Charlene your continued support and a little extra TLC as she continues to guide the ship! She, along with Fran and Velma, and competent and experienced staff, will, I’m sure, continue to put forth the interests and needs of Mary Lee as they serve their clients. I continue to have high expectations for Mary Lee knowing that it is in very good hands!

I can’t begin to thank you, Peggy Van Wyk, and all the members of the Board for your commitment, efforts and time that you have given to help guide and support Mary Lee as we strive to fulfill the mission of meeting the unmet needs of our special clients. It has been a comfort and a pleasure to know and work with each of you.

Blessings to each of you, I’ll stay in touch and hope you do, also.

Don Lilljedahl, Director