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Mary Rose Oakar, a former Congresswoman known for her advocacy for women’s rights and community development, passed away at the age of 85. As the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Ohio and the first Arab American woman to serve, Oakar’s career left a lasting impact. She represented Ohio’s 20th district from 1977 to 1993 and was instrumental in securing funding for breast cancer research and supporting Social Security benefits for Catholic nuns. Oakar is remembered for her dedication to her constituents and community.
Cleveland, Ohio — Mary Rose Oakar, a pioneering former Congresswoman and a significant figure in American politics, passed away on Saturday at the age of 85. Her contributions to women’s rights and local community development are remembered as vital aspects of her lengthy public service career.
Oakar served as the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 20th district from 1977 to 1993, where she represented Cleveland’s west side and surrounding suburbs. As the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Ohio, she also became the first Arab American, Syrian American, and Lebanese American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress.
Born on March 5, 1940, to Lebanese and Syrian immigrant parents, Oakar spent her formative years in a working-class family as the youngest of five children. Her father worked as a laborer, and her mother was a homemaker, providing a foundational influence that shaped her community-minded outlook.
Oakar graduated from Ursuline College in 1962 and completed a master’s degree at John Carroll University in 1966. She also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and Columbia University. Before her political ambitions, Oakar worked as a teacher at Lourdes Academy and Cuyahoga Community College from 1963 until 1975.
Her political career began as a member of the Cleveland City Council, where she served from 1973 to 1976. She made a memorable entrance into Congress in 1976 by embarking on an innovative campaign in a Model T Ford, later switching to a rose-decorated convertible. This unique approach, along with distributing rose-themed pens, helped her secure a primary victory with 24% of the vote and a commanding 81% in the general election.
During her eight consecutive terms in Congress, Oakar focused significantly on women’s economic rights and health issues. One of her most notable achievements was her advocacy for federal funding for breast cancer research, through which she successfully garnered over $400 million in the early 1990s. She also worked toward establishing new quality standards for mammography screenings and was instrumental in sponsoring legislation aimed at combating elder abuse.
Beyond her health-related initiatives, Oakar played a crucial role in ensuring Catholic nuns were eligible for Social Security benefits, a victory that received bipartisan support. She co-founded the Congressional Women’s Caucus and served as vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus from 1985 to 1989, highlighting her commitment to women in politics.
In addition to her legislative achievements, Oakar championed several local projects, including the Franciscan Village of Our Lady of Angels to provide affordable senior housing, and contributed to the development of the NASA Glenn Research Center. She was also significant in securing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s establishment in Cleveland, enhancing the city’s cultural landscape.
Despite her extensive advocacy for women’s rights, Oakar’s anti-abortion stance created conflicts with some prominent feminist groups. Her congressional career concluded in 1992 after she was implicated in a banking scandal involving overdrafts at the House bank. Following this scandal, Oakar pleaded guilty to illegal campaign contribution charges, resulting in probation and community service.
After leaving Congress, she continued to serve the public by being a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001 to 2003 and on the Ohio State Board of Education from 2012 to 2016. In 2003, she became president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, guiding the organization through the challenges faced in the post-9/11 era.
Throughout her life, Oakar remained actively engaged in local politics, endorsing various candidates such as Dennis Kucinich and Nina Turner until her passing. She is remembered fondly by those who knew her for her deep faith, friendly demeanor, resilience, and approachability.
Key political figures, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, praised her unwavering dedication and commitment to her constituents. Mary Rose Oakar is survived by her niece, Judge Ann Clare Oakar of the Cleveland Municipal Court, and other family members. Funeral arrangements are pending, with her family requesting privacy during this time.
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Former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar Passes Away
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- Cleveland.com
- Wikipedia: Mary Rose Oakar
- News 5 Cleveland
- Google Search: Mary Rose Oakar
- WKYC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mary Rose Oakar
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
