[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 145 (Monday, November 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF JOAN OLSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, today I pay respect to Joan Olsen, who 
passed away recently at the age of 59 after battling with cancer. Mrs. 
Olsen was an outstanding citizen of the community of St. Colman's 
Church since 1987. She whole-heartedly involved herself in the 
education and computer assistance of the St. Colman's Church and 
community.
  Joan grew up in Lakewood, but settled in Fairview Park after her 
marriage to Neal Olsen in 1967. Joan was drawn to St. Colman's Church 
in 1987 while researching her Irish genealogy. From the moment she 
joined St. Colman's Church, she was an active member and participant in 
the Parish and community. From her work experience between 1992 and 
1994 in helping to computerize the Cuyahoga County Archive Records, 
Joan decided to computerize the Parish files. In 1995, she realized the 
importance of computer education and resolved to help the community 
obtain computers and to teach computer classes. Knowing that the 
community could not afford computers or computer classes, she contacted 
many businesses and was able to acquire newer model computers for the 
neighborhood. The computer lab was eventually placed in the parish 
school building, where Joan gave free computer classes to anyone 
interested. In addition to her computer classes, Joan taught Bible 
classes at St. Colman's Parish. She immersed herself further into the 
community when she offered to install computers in the homes of 
families.
  Outside of the St. Colman's Parish community, Joan helped organize 
the West Side Community Computer Center. She did all of the networking 
and attended out-of-town conferences in preparation for the opening of 
the Center. Once again, she provided free computer classes.
  Joan had many talents and interests, which she generously shared with 
her family, friends, and community. She taught knitting and weaving to 
the neighborhood children in addition to her already existing computer 
classes.
  I am heartened to hear that the computer lab at St. Colman's Parish 
will be formally dedicated to Joan very soon. A woman of her caliber 
will be remembered not only in the minds and hearts of the St. Colman 
community citizens, but also by the new dedication of the computer lab. 
Joan Olsen has been a keystone to the community. Her absence will be 
greatly missed.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in expressing my deepest 
condolences to Joan's family and many friends, and honoring the memory 
of Joan Olsen.

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