[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 27 (Friday, February 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF MERCEDES HELEN SPOTTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 18, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Mercedes 
Helen Spotts, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Mrs. 
Spotts' devotion to public service, and her passionate love for her 
family and children, has left a lasting impression on countless lives.
  Born in Cleveland, Ohio to Helen and John Karpinski, Mrs. Spotts 
graduated from Notre Dame Academy, and earned associates and bachelor's 
degrees at Notre Dame College. She also earned her master's and law 
degrees at Cleveland State University. She was awarded an honorary 
doctorate from her alma mater, Notre Dame College.
  Mrs. Spotts has the honor of being the first female deputy bailiff at 
the Cleveland Municipal Court. Throughout her career she also served as 
an appeals court administrator, the second female President of the 
Cuyahoga County Bar Association, co-founder of the East Side Catholic 
Shelter and the founding President of Mental Health Services. Because 
of her dedication, Mrs. Spotts was the recipient of three awards from 
the Cuyahoga County Bar Association, including the first ``Day Weiner'' 
award for public service.
  In addition to her formal role as deputy bailiff, Mrs. Spotts was 
known around the community as the organizer of the annual International 
Folk Festival in Playhouse Square. She was also an active member of the 
Dimpled Darlings of Ireland, a tap-dance group that performed for 
nursing homes and hospitals. Mrs. Spotts was named a ``Grand Lady of 
Pulaski'' by the Polonia Foundation and received its annual Heritage 
Award. She also received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2005.
  Mrs. Spotts is survived by her two sons, David and John, her grandson 
David, and sister, the Honorable Diane Karpinski.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembering Mercedes 
Helen Spotts, whose legacy of professionalism and service to others 
will not be forgotten.

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