[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF ROSELLEN KERSHAW

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Rosellen Kershaw who recently passed away at the age of 87. She leaves 
behind her loving family, including her daughter Julie, and 
granddaughters, Taylor and Morgan Marsoobian. Fresno County is truly 
indebted to Rosellen's legacy of service, integrity and love.
  Rosellen Kershaw was born on August 29, 1923, to Charles and Pinkie 
Kershaw in Fresno, California. She spent almost her entire life in the 
Central Valley, graduating from Fresno High School and Fresno State 
College. She received her Master's Degree from San Francisco State 
University.
  Rosellen taught school at the elementary, high school and college 
levels. However, she consistently referred to herself as a 
``professional volunteer,'' having dedicated more than 50 years of her 
life to the causes and organizations in Fresno that she felt most 
passionate about. Ms. Kershaw was committed to improving her community 
one hour at a time.
  The fruits of Rosellen's labors were reflected in her involvement 
with local organizations and clubs, such as the Ani Guild of the 
California Armenian Home, of which she was a founder and board member 
for over 40 years. She was also President of the League of Women Voters 
of Fresno, California State President of American Association of 
University Women, Chair of the Fresno Housing and Community Development 
Commission, Chair of the CSUF Arts and Humanities Advisory, board 
member of the Fresno Regional Foundation, Secretary of the Fresno 
County Grand Jury, board member of the California Journal, President of 
the Fresno Art Museum, and President of the Friends of Fresno County 
Library. In addition, she was a founder and first general manager of 
Valley Public Radio. Among her many achievements, Rosellen received the 
California Rotary Paul Harris Fellow accolade, and was awarded the CSU 
Fresno Top Dog Award for Service.
  Rosellen Kershaw was an extraordinary woman with a commitment to 
family, friends and her community. Her service will forever be 
remembered by the lives she so graciously touched. Mr. Speaker, it is 
with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Rosellen Kershaw, a 
true pillar of our community who will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________