[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 103 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1308-E1309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ELIZABETH A. ZEPF

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio-

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2008

  Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, Elizabeth A. Zepf, a Toledo treasure to 
her family, friends and community, departed this life on Friday June 6, 
2008. Elizabeth was born July 6, 1903, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Matthew 
and Elizabeth McCarty. Elizabeth, a consummate and indefatigable social 
activist throughout her life, was engaged in community and religious 
affairs. Her broad range of interests spanned the horizon--higher 
education, leadership development, the advancement of women, the

[[Page E1309]]

advancement of religious efforts, music, and health care. In fact, she 
championed the cause of mental health. With her husband, Arthur, she 
led the effort to create the Zepf Community Mental Health Center in 
Toledo to more effectively serve this population. She positively 
influenced the lives of all who met her. A committed Roman Catholic, 
she was devoted to her husband, Art, and her family but made the time 
to advance the broader human family through her many church-related 
organizations, locally and nationally. She held the office of president 
in the Blessed Sacrament Altar Society, the Toledo Diocesan Council 
Catholic Women, and then was elected nationally to serve as its 
president of the National Council Catholic Women 1960-1962. Her 
community involvement included: Serving 13 years on the board of 
trustees for the University of Toledo with 7 of those as Vice-Chairman 
of the Board. She remained a member of St. Vincent Medical Center 
Advisory Board for 11 years, established the Women's Cancer Education 
Council and was a past president of the board of trustees of Toledo 
Mental Hygiene Clinic. Elizabeth was one of the founding members of the 
Toledo Opera Guild and chairman of the Sapphire Ball in 1965.
  President John F. Kennedy recognized her gifts when he named her to 
the board of directors of the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation, 
serving as its vice president. More so, she served as vice chairman of 
the board of the Lucas County Mental Health from 1963 and is now an 
Honorary Life member. She has served on the board of the March of 
Dimes.
  For her dedication improving the quality of life of her community, in 
1960 she received the Distinguished Citizenship Award from the Toledo 
Blade ``for outstanding service to her community''. Additionally, a 
clinic, in San Salvador, for homeless mothers and children, was named 
the Elizabeth Zepf Madonna Shelter. In 1974, the Elizabeth Zepf 
Community Mental Health Center was opened by the Lucas County Mental 
Health Board. In September 1988, the Satellites of the Medical College 
of Ohio honored her as one of the ``Treasures of Toledo.'' She was an 
honorary member for 5 years of Family Child Abuse Prevention Center. 
She was a life long member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church as well 
as the Maumee River Yacht Club and the Toledo Club. She is the widow of 
Arthur L. Zepf and is survived by her son, Arthur Zepf Jr. and 
grandsons, Kurt, Reilly and Arthur. Our entire community celebrates her 
life, her ever present smile and all her good deeds that flowed from 
her productive and generous spirit.