[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF REDA BENDA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Reda Benda, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, whose spirit, 
positive attitude and service to others has left an indelible imprint 
upon our Cleveland community.
  Mrs. Benda married Elmer Benda at Holy Name church in 1941, where she 
remained an active parishioner her entire adult life. Together they 
raised five children: James, Elmer, Kathleen, William and Rosemary. 
Mrs. Benda was the center of her family--always surrounded by the 
support and strength of her children, sixteen grandchildren and twenty 
great grandchildren.
  Her devotion to her family extended into the community, throughout 
the North Broadway neighborhood where her leadership and concern for 
others lifted the lives of countless neighbors. Mrs. Benda was a 
founding member of the Jones Road Town Club, a member of the Orchard 
Civic Club and she logged nearly 7,000 hours as a volunteer at St. 
Alexis Hospital. She was active in several neighborhood senior 
organizations, including Holy Name, St. Stan's and St. Therese Senior 
Citizen Groups. Additionally, Mrs. Benda was a passionate participant 
in the democratic process. She was an active member of the Ward 12 
Democratic Club and the Cleveland Women's Democratic Club. Moreover, 
Mrs. Benda was a Democratic Precinct Committeewoman for nearly twenty 
years.
  Madam Speaker and Colleagues, join me in honor and remembrance of 
Reda Benda, whose joyous life is one to celebrate and emulate. I offer 
my heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Benda's children, grandchildren, great 
grandchildren, extended family and many friends. Although she will be 
greatly missed, her unwavering devotion to faith, family, friends and 
to the people of the North Broadway neighborhood has touched the lives 
of everyone who knew her, and she will never be forgotten.

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