[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1342]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN REMEMBRANCE OF INA MARIE LEE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 17, 2001

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of a Toledoan 
and American of note. Ina Marie Lee. Miss Lee passed away at 108 years 
of age.
  Miss Lee was a nurse and a veteran of World War I. She was considered 
the oldest living veteran in Northwest Ohio, and was one of the oldest 
in our nation. She served as a nurse during the war, stationed with the 
Army in Mobile, Alabama and Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Upon her 
discharge at the War's end, she worked as a private nurse for several 
of Toledo's prominent families. She did not retire from nursing until 
the age of 85, after a 55 year career.
  Ina Marie Lee was born in the tiny town of Jerry City in Wood County, 
Ohio. The daughter of a poultry farmer, Ina dreamed of being a nurse. 
After overcoming tuberculosis as a child, she realized that goal and 
was one of the first graduates of the former Toledo Hospital School of 
Nursing. Graduates of the school still meet, and Ina was a revered and 
popular member. She was ``a wonderful role model for other nurses,'' 
according to her longtime friend and nurse Mary Lou Leonard.
  Believed to be a descendant of General Robert E. Lee. Ina joined the 
Army on June 10, 1918. As a distinguished veteran, she was a member of 
the American Legion Argonne Post 545. She was also a member of the 
Toledo Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Toledo Hospital 
Alumni Association, the Idlewood Rebekah Lodge No. 565 in Jerry City, 
and the Westgate Chapel in Toledo. She was several times the Grand 
Marshall in Toledo parades and was featured on NBC's Today Show on two 
occasions. It was my personal honor to join Ina at a recent nurses 
reunion in Toledo where we unveiled a statue to honor nurses and their 
contributions to our community.
  These few words on the Congressional Record cannot do justice to this 
most remarkable of women and her life well-lived. Perhaps the words of 
her friend. Ms. Leonard, say it best. Ina Marie Lee ``was a fun-loving, 
happy, caring person. She loved live life, she loved people, and she 
loved helping people.'' No greater tribute can there be than to have 
been recognized and appreciated as a friend, confidante, and dedicated 
nurse. We extend to her sister, Genetta Grau, and her niece and nephews 
our heartfelt condolence. At the same time, we celebrate a truly 
incredible life and honor her memory by trying to live in its example.

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