[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF ELIZABETH JOYCE COSSER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 13, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Elizabeth Joyce Cosser, lovingly known as ``Nan'' treasured grandmother 
of my wife, Elizabeth, and dearest mother and matriarch.
  Mrs. Cosser was born in 1923 and spent her childhood in the 
beautiful, rolling farmlands of Nottinghamshire and later South Downs, 
England. Nan's unyielding love for the natural world, great joy of 
learning, deep commitment to family and sense of service to others was 
deeply rooted in her childhood. Moreover, Nan was raised to believe 
that girls were just as worthy as boys, and her fierce independence, 
courage and outspokenness shone throughout her life--and began during 
an era when women's rights and opportunities were still non-existent. A 
trailblazer in so many ways--Nan was a feminist and environmentalist 
before those words existed in the world's consciousness.
  As a young woman, Nan ventured out on her own, eventually leaving 
home to become a nurse. During WWII, Nan's family homestead, Blackcap 
Farm, was destroyed by Canadian Troops who leveled the countryside with 
rounds and mortars during training maneuvers. At that same time, Nan 
worked as a nurse, tending to wounded soldiers amidst air raids and 
heaving bombing, in Brighton and the East End. After the war, Nan 
continued her chosen vocation of nursing, specializing in delivering 
babies. She became a community midwife, and delivered 1,265 babies, 
including Elizabeth, her namesake and granddaughter.
  Nan coveted nature, and was on the forefront of the green movement 
and animal rights causes. In her spare time, Nan planted trees--
thousands of trees. To this day, thick groves of chestnut, oak, buckeye 
and hazelnut trees grow along the country paths in Belhus Woods in 
Essex--all planted by Nan.
  Nan taught by example, instilling in her children and grandchild a 
true love and respect for the earth and for each other. Beyond her love 
of gardening, Nan spent time with family on numerous outdoor 
adventures. She guided her grandchildren through the countryside, 
gathering berries which she later transformed into pies, jams, wine and 
even vodka. Her artistic talents and interests were extensive and 
varied; Nan excelled at painting, embroidery, knitting and pottery, and 
her adventurous spirit led her to journey to places around the world--
researching the history of the culture wherever she went.
  Nan combined her love of history and art, creating beautiful works 
depicting momentous eras and individuals in world history. Nan's keen 
interest in England's royal lineage led her to embark on an extensive 
project in which she researched every king and queen in England, dating 
back 1,000 years. Her research then inspired her to create an 
incredible series of pottery busts reflecting, in detail, the likeness 
and aura of royalty dating back one thousand years!
  Madam Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Elizabeth Joyce ``Nan'' Cosser, whose kind and generous heart drew 
others to her. Nan's strength, integrity, and love for the world and 
its inhabitants, will forever live within the hearts of all us who knew 
and loved her well, and will forever reflect from the branches and 
leaves of the towering oak and chestnut trees along the English 
countryside--forever connecting us all in the cycle of life.

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