[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 149 (Tuesday, November 16, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN REMEMBRANCE OF MS. MARCEL ROCAWICH CRACIUN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 16, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Ms. Marcel Rocawich Craciun, a generous community leader and a devoted 
wife, mother, and friend. Her love for her friends and family inspired 
her to love all people, and she has left behind a legacy of civic 
engagement, volunteerism, and cooperation.
  A lifelong Ohio resident, Ms. Craciun was born on January 17, 1958 to 
Robert and Annette Rocawich. She was well known in Cleveland for her 
professional work as a funeral director for the Craciun Funeral Homes. 
She was the first Craciun woman to receive a funeral director's license 
and was known for not turning anyone away for lack of funds. In her 
eyes, everyone deserved a proper funeral.
  Marcel's charitable spirit also found expression in extensive 
volunteer work on Cleveland's west side. She was an active member of 
the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish and the OLMC Sacred Heart Sodality. 
She was the first female president of the Edgewater Homeowner's 
Association and was often called to meet with Mayor Jackson, 
Councilmember Westbrook, and Councilmember Matt Zone on local issues. 
She was also actively involved with Boy Scouts of America and numerous 
parent groups at St. Ignatius High School. Mrs. Craciun cared deeply 
about her neighborhood, the broader communities she served, and the 
future of Cleveland. When people asked her why it mattered so much to 
her, she'd say, ``'Cause this is where my kids live!''
  While raising her five children, Marcel received a Bachelor of Arts 
Degree from the Cleveland State University with a focus on 
Anthropology. Her husband James states that she taught her children 
about respect for different cultures and inspired them to be active and 
involved members of society. She was also supportive of her husband's 
international work on Romanian human rights issues. Neighbors will miss 
her chats over the fence and will remember her wonderful smile, her 
kindness to everyone at their time of need, and her abundant love for 
Jimmy and their five children.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Ms. Marcel Rocawich Craciun. I offer my condolences to her husband, 
Jim; to her brothers, Bob and Ed; to her children, Noelle, Jason, 
Jonathan, Jesse, and Nicholas; to her brothers and sisters-in-law; and 
to her many friends. Ms. Craciun lived her life with love, generosity, 
and commitment to the general welfare. She will always be remembered 
for her good work and her generous spirit.

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