[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 42 (Tuesday, April 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF YOLANDA CRACIUN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Yolanda Craciun, loving mother, grandmother, community activist, and 
dear friend and mentor to many. Her passing marks a great loss for her 
family and friends, and also for the people of Cleveland's west side 
neighborhood, whom she supported, promoted and faithfully served.
  Mrs. Craciun's family, including her late husband, John Craciun, were 
central to her life. The great care and love that she showered on them 
extended throughout Cleveland's west side neighborhood, where Mrs. 
Craciun led many efforts to uplift her neighborhood. The well-being of 
her community, anchored by her parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 
was her lifelong focus. Her advice and support was continually sought 
by neighbors and neighborhood leaders. Greatly loved, respected and 
admired by all, Mrs. Craciun was godmother to twenty-eight children.
  Equipped with a compassionate heart, sharp mind and even sharper 
focus on the neighborhood she loved, Mrs. Craciun's efforts fostered 
hope and possibility throughout the Dentroit-Shoreway neighborhood, 
where she lived her whole life. She was a founding member and trustee 
of the Detroit-Shoreway Community Development Coalition, leading the 
charge to restore the neighborhood with housing, economic and social 
initiatives. Her efforts to help others spanned every barrier, and 
touched the lives of countless people and family. Mrs. Craciun raised 
over $100,000 for the Snowflake Program, used to decorate the 
neighborhood during holidays. She volunteered her time as a literacy 
tutor, was president of the PTA at St. Edward's High School, and served 
on many boards, including St. Augustine Manor and the Westside 
Substance Abuse Task Force Project.
  Her humble nature precluded her from reveling in awards and 
accolades. However, her outstanding service was recognized by others. 
She was the recipient of many awards that highlighted her humanitarian 
efforts, including the 2004 Father Marino Frascati Neighborhood 
Champion Award, and the Giuseppe T. Fiocca Award, presented to her in 
1998.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Yolanda Craciun. She lived her life with joy, energy and in 
unwavering service to others. I extend my deepest condolences to her 
many friends and family members, especially her children: Jean, Mary, 
John, Joseph and James; and her grandchildren and sister. Her eternal 
faith in humanity and in the notion that together, we can make a 
positive difference, will continue to serve as an unending force of 
light, hope and possibility, throughout the Detroit-Shoreway 
neighborhood and beyond.

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