[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17821]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION OF JULIA JOZEPHA HADAM KUSEK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2010

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Julia Jozepha 
Hadam Kusek, lifelong resident of Cleveland's historic Tremont 
neighborhood, as we join with her in celebration of her 96th birthday. 
Mrs. Kusek was born on October 2, 1914 to Polish immigrant parents. 
Three years earlier, in 1911, her mother, Jozepha and father, Ignatz, 
made the long journey across the Atlantic, far from their Polish 
homeland, and settled in Cleveland, Ohio, like thousands of immigrants 
did--with the common dream and hope for a better life in America.
  They raised Julia and her two younger siblings with an unwavering 
connection to, and abiding love for, the culture, language and 
traditions of their beloved Polish homeland. By the time she was in the 
8th grade, the Great Depression had severely devastated most 
communities across the country, including Cleveland. With her family 
struggling to survive, Mrs. Kusek had to quit school in the 8th grade 
to go to work to help provide for the family. Her lifelong love of 
fashion, along with her determined spirit, led her to work while taking 
classes and later graduate from the Darvis School of Fashion and 
Design, where she graduated with honors. She designed and made 
beautiful clothes for her family; her talent reflected in her 
daughters' dresses, worn at school events, holidays and special 
occasions.
  Mrs. Kusek married Stanley Kusek on June 24, 1939. They were devoted 
to each other until his passing in 1985. Together, they raised three 
children: Thaddeus, Diane and Carol. Ahead of her time, she worked in 
May Company's toy department while raising her children and was a loyal 
employee for forty years. Beyond her family and career, she made time 
to volunteer at St. John Cantius rectory, school and convent, and 
cooked for every special event. Her family, faith and Polish heritage 
continue to be the foundation of her life she remains very close to her 
children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and celebration 
of Julia Jozepha Hadam Kusek of the Tremont neighborhood in Cleveland, 
as we celebrate her 96th birthday. Her kindness and joy for living 
continues to be a shining example for all of us to follow.

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