[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 121 (Tuesday, September 11, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING IDA KEIPER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 11, 2012

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said 
``everyone can be great because everyone can serve.'' I rise today to 
remember and honor the life of a model of service, Ida Keiper. I used 
to tease her and call her ``Mama Keips'' because I knew she was Italian 
and she reminded me so much of my Italian grandmother. She was born in 
Grindstone, Pennsylvania, in 1935 to the late Antonio and Emma 
Perazolla. She spent the majority of her adult life in the Mantua, 
Ohio, area. Her life cannot simply be measured by the number of years 
raising children, the good Italian meals prepared or the countless 
hours spent helping with homework. Her service went beyond the walls of 
her home and stretched across the community.
  Ida was a member of numerous organizations such as the PTA, the Boy 
and Girl Scouts of America, and the Crestwood Band Patrons. She also 
served on the Democratic Central Executive Committee for over 20 years 
and was a member of the Federated Democratic Women of Portage County 
Ohio. In addition to her volunteer work she was also an active member 
of The Church of Jesus Christ Kirtland Restoration Branch.
  Ida left these thoughts to those she loves: ``Goodbye to my family 
and friends. I hope that the paths we have traveled and passed were 
good ones. I pray that we will meet again in God's Kingdom. Make the 
most of and celebrate your gift of life. So grieve for me awhile, if 
grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust. It's only 
for awhile that we must part, so bless the memories with your heart.''
  Ida Keiper passed away August 6, 2012 at the age of 76. Her legacy 
lives on through her family and the people she touched with her 
selflessness and generosity. She is survived by her husband, Charles W. 
Keiper and their four children, Charles W. Keiper II, Faith Keiper, 
Linda Pallotto and Cindy Iozzia, four grandchildren, Sara, Michael, 
Spencer, Nathan and Lauren, and five siblings, Pete Perazzola, Nick 
Perazzola, Stella Nixon, Lundy Fisco and Agnes Pinkney. I offer my 
condolences to the family and all those whose lives who have been 
touched by her gentleness and grace. Italian mothers and grandmothers 
are a special breed and Mama Keips was as special as they come. She 
will be missed.

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