[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LORRAINE CLAIR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Lorraine Clair, of 
Delta, OH. Lorraine passed from this life on October 12, 1999. Lorraine 
had been an elected official in Fulton County, Ohio since 1983, serving 
first on the village council, then as Vice Mayor, and was elected Mayor 
beginning in 1986 through her retirement in 1998.
  Lorraine Clair graduated from Liberty Center High School in 1959, 
went on to study cosmetology at the Toledo Academy of Beauty Culture, 
and worked as a beautician for many years, eventually leaving her 
profession to be a wife and mother. Tapped to run for Delta Village 
Council in 1983, Lorraine entered the political area, a career she 
clearly enjoyed. As her daughter noted, ``After she was named Vice 
Mayor and then became the Mayor, she just ran from there.'' At many 
Fulton County events, Mayor Clair could be found trying to meet with 
everyone in the room, charming and gracious, chatting amiably or 
discussing farming, business, families, or issues of the day with ease.
  Delta grew and prospered throughout Lorraine's tenure as Mayor. Under 
her administration a wastewater treatment plant was built, streets were 
resurfaced and rebuilt, three new housing subdivisions were built, and 
the village park was developed, including a new shelterhouse. She led 
the local effort to bring new industry to Delta, which now features two 
steel mills and the industries which contribute to the mills. Before 
she had to retire due to declining health, Mayor Clair had begun 
planning for a new 50,000 gallon water tower. Lorraine's drive as Mayor 
was summed up by her successor who stated, ``She cared quite a bit 
about the community and the overall quality of life. She was 
particularly concerned with youth activities and about things for our 
seniors to do.'' This summation is an honorable legacy for a woman who 
remained a lifelong resident of Fulton County, rising to lead one of 
its communities, and working with fellow elected officials to keep the 
county a viable community.
  In addition to her public legacy, Lorraine Clair leaves an even 
greater personal one: her children Kirk, Michelle, and Melissa and six 
grandchildren. We express our heartfelt condolences to them, to her 
mother Rennetta, brothers Calvin and Tim, and sisters Lorrinda and 
Leann, and leave them with these words from poet Haydn Marshall, `` . . 
. for every joy that passes something beautiful remains.''

                          ____________________