[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 122 (Wednesday, October 4, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1665]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN HONOR OF RITA CESTARIC

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 3, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Rita Cestaric who 
has been an outstanding citizen of my district and our state. Rita 
Cestaric's entire life has been one of devotion to her family, her 
friends and her community. Her passion for service to community helped 
to encourage the involvement of many people in public life, including 
myself. She was ever the activist, prodding and pushing, moving 
mountains on behalf of her city and her nation. She was a civic and 
political force for decades in North Olmstead, Ohio.
  The home of Rita and her devoted husband, John Cestaric, was always a 
hub of activity in the community. With John's patient support, the 
Cestaric household was an important stop in any political campaign. Her 
children, Rita, Carole and John were always in amazement at the endless 
stream of activity which characterized the Cestaric home. They saw 
firsthand the impact of their mother's dedication and understood how 
significant her help was to so many people.
  Public officials came to the Cestaric home not only to meet the 
people of the neighborhood, but they were drawn to Rita. She gave wise 
counsel to generations of public servants who sought her assistance. 
She always had a sense of what was in the public interest. Her wisdom 
was the wisdom of the people and when she spoke you always knew that 
hers was unmistakably the voice of many. She was an exemplar of the 
power of women in politics. She was a singular force for encouraging 
many women to become involved in the civic life of their communities.
  Rita Cestaric was an optimist. She faced all challenges in life with 
equanimity. She suffered the loss of her dear husband John, and still 
she moved ahead to continue her contributions of her time and her 
efforts. And when she at last faced her most serious personal challenge 
to her health, she did so without complaint, but with great inner 
strength and beauty.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that Members of the House of Representatives of 
the United States of America join with me in paying tribute to the life 
of Rita Cestaric, and expressing gratitude for her love of country and 
her service to community.

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