[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 45 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E618]]


                    IN MEMORY OF MARGARET McCAFFERY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a truly memorable 
Cleveland woman. Margaret McCaffery, a member of Cleveland city council 
for twenty-eight years, represented her community with strong 
dedication and service.
  Margaret was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and later moved to 
Washington state. While a teenager, Margaret was a vaudeville dancer 
and met her husband, James ``Mickey'' McCaffery, on tour in 1924. She 
raised five children through the tough times of the Thirties and 
Forties. James McCaffery died in July 1947 after taking out petitions 
to run for the Cleveland city council seat he had formerly held. 
Margaret took on a great burden and ran for the seat in his place. Her 
successful election the following fall gave her the seat that she would 
represent for the next sixteen years.
  After her seat was eliminated as a result of redistricting, Margaret 
moved to the near West Side and was again elected to council. 
Throughout her twenty-eight years on the council, Margaret chaired 
numerous committees and represented her ward well. She received many 
awards and was recognized by President John F. Kennedy as one of the 
most influential women politicians in the country.
  I had the pleasure of serving with Margaret on the Cleveland city 
council. I treasure our thirty-year friendship and always admired her 
unique ability to balance strength and gentleness, which is what made 
her such an effective council member. She is survived by two sons, two 
daughters, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Margaret 
will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
  My fellow colleagues, join with me in honoring Mrs. Margaret 
McCaffery.

                          ____________________