[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1123]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF ROSE KENNEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2004

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, the holiday season 2003 marks the passing of 
a loved and beloved member of our community of Toledo, Ohio. Rose 
Kennedy, a mother for our community and a pioneering activist of her 
North Toledo neighborhood, passed from this life on December 26, 2003 
at age 76.
  I came to know Rose and her husband Bob nearly three decades ago as 
she vigorously pursued improvements in her neighborhood, Toledo's 
oldest. Small in stature, unassuming by nature, she worked on larger-
than-life projects side-by-side with community leaders on the 
revitalization of the heart of our city, starting in North Toledo with 
beautification initiatives. Most notably, North Toledo's signature 
effort, the Buckeye Basin Greenbelt Parkway, has Rose's imprimatur. 
Without Rose Kennedy's personal tireless efforts, this major parkway 
construction which diverted traffic from North Toledo streets and 
upgraded the entire region with a linear greenbelt in the heart of our 
city would not have been realized. She pursued this goal for nearly a 
quarter century, and proudly stood by as the dream was finally brought 
to fruition and ribbons cut.
  In addition to her community activism, Rose Kennedy, together with 
her husband Robert, brought a sense of family to eighteen children: 
four adopted and fourteen fostered. She explained, ``These kids needed 
love and that was about all we had to give them.''
  The oldest of six children, Rosalie Kennedy spent her entire life in 
her North Toledo neighborhood. After marriage, she and her husband were 
involved in veterans' organizations-heading up the Toledo chapter of 
the DAV in the 1950's--in addition to neighborhood groups. She worked 
with the Northriver Development Corporation and the Economic 
Opportunity and Planning Association. Civic-minded as well, Rose served 
for many years as her precinct's Democratic committeewoman. Rounding 
out her community and civic responsibilities, she also served her faith 
as Secretary to her church, Salem Lutheran Church.
  In spite of her family and community demands, Rose found time to 
enjoy her hobbies of crochet and crossword puzzles and reading. She was 
an ordinary woman who accomplished extraordinary feats. To her husband, 
children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, we extend our 
heartfelt sympathy. Rose Kennedy lived life large, and her actions left 
a lasting legacy. We will miss her earnest resolve, her unrelenting 
dedication, and the loving gift she gave of herself.

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