Former Rep. Mary Rose Oakar, First Arab American Woman Elected to Congress, Dies at 85

Ohio Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar, who was the first democratic woman elected to Congress from Ohio, has died.

According to a statement from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) on Sunday, Oakar served eight terms from 1977 to 1993. She passed away at the age of 85 on Saturday.

“We were all blessed to know Mary Rose Oakar — a highly gifted, indefatigable, extraordinary woman of deep faith. Mary Rose was elected to Congress from inside the working class of people. She exhibited raw courage, loyalty, perseverance, high learning, precious humor, and stellar insight into human nature. Her hearty laugh elevated people’s spirits. She suffered no fools,” the statement said. “She not only stood her ground but made her own ground — to serve senior citizens, housing, pay equity, and better health care for women, moving into the ranks of Democratic House leaders where she firmly stood as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus.”

According to the statement, Oakar was the first Arab American woman, Syrian-American and Lebanese-American to serve in Congress.

“She dedicated endless hours and years to build new bridges toward peace in the Middle East, and understanding of its complexity for communities here at home,” Kaptur said.

“Mary Rose worked hard to promote an economy that serves everyone, across Northern Ohio, and throughout our nation. Her abilities sparkled as she brought joy, wit, keen insight, kindness, and dynamism to every occasion. I am grateful for her abiding friendship and counsel, which she generously shared. She was one of a kind,” the statement concluded. “Holding all of her family, friends, and her community in Cleveland in prayer. She truly loved them with all her heart and soul.“