[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF MARY TENCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mary Tench as her 
family and friends gather in celebration of her 100th birthday.
  Mary was born on December 7, 1911 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to 
Charles and Anna Zacharzuk. Charles and Anna had six children: Mary, 
Pauline, Alex, John, Pete and Joe. Mary's youngest brother, Joe, lives 
in Tennessee and is her only living sibling.
  When Mary was thirteen years old, her parents moved the family to 
Bedford, Ohio. As young girl, Mary met her neighbor and future husband, 
James A. Tench. During their courtship, James took Mary to dances and 
picnics with his Hungarian dance group. They were married in February 
1928 and went on to raise eight children: MaryAnn, Emory, Edward, 
Theodore, Rozella, Alex, Gerald and their stepson, John. In 1948, James 
and Mary purchased their first house located at 7634 Finney Avenue in 
Cleveland for $8,200. Mary lived in this home until 1990 when she moved 
to Simi Valley, California. In 1998, Mary returned to Cleveland and 
lived independently until 2009 when she moved in with her daughter, 
Rozella.
  During World War II, Mrs. Tench worked for Parker Hannifin. In the 
early 1950s she joined the staff of Cleveland Republic Steel 
Corporation in the executive cafeteria. This job inspired Mary to start 
her own catering business, Fancy Catering. For 25 years, Mary catered 
weddings and special events for the US Coast Guard. When James retired 
from the Cleveland Pneumatic Tool Company in 1975, Mary left the 
catering business so they could enjoy retirement together. James and 
Mary celebrated 59 years of marriage before James's death in 1987.
  Mrs. Tench is a lifetime member of the VFW. She served as President 
of Post 3456 and is a current member of Lake Erie Post #1974 in Parma. 
She also served as President of the Knights of Columbus, Isabella 
Guild. Mary still belongs to the Women's Catholic Council of Cleveland, 
the Ladies Auxiliary Knights of Columbus and the Parma Democratic Club 
where she served as Secretary/Treasurer. She was an elected Precinct 
Committee Woman, a Presiding Judge for the Board of Elections and 
worked at the voting polls for over 30 years. Mary volunteered on 
political campaigns including my 1977 mayoral campaign.
  During an interview with her great-granddaughter, Mary told stories 
of surviving The Great Depression, experiencing many wars and voting 
for the first time, at the age of 21, for President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt in 1932. Her hobbies include traveling, crocheting, cooking, 
playing cards, bingo, reading and going to the Donna Smallwood Activity 
Center.
  Mary's commitment to faith is reflected through her involvement with 
the Holy Name Parish, her family and her community. GiGi, as she is 
affectionately called by her family, has 32 grandchildren, 59 great-
grandchildren, 25 great-great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-great-
grandchild.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration 
of Mary Tench whose life is framed by the love of her family, her faith 
and the appreciation she has for the life she has lived. I wish Mrs. 
Tench a joyous 100th year and blessings of peace, health and happiness.

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