Mary Rose Oakar

Mary Rose Oakar (March 5, 1940 – September 13, 2025) was an American Democratic politician. She was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Ohio from 1977 to 1993. Oakar was the first Arab American woman, first Syrian American, and first Lebanese American woman to serve in Congress. 

From 1985 to 1989, she was elected to a position in the House Democratic leadership, as Secretary of the House Democratic Caucus.

Oakar died in Lakewood, Ohio on September 13, 2025, at the age of 85.

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References

Other websites

 Profile on the Ohio Ladies' Gallery website 


Category:1940 births
Category:2025 deaths
Category:United States representatives from Ohio
Category:Politicians from Cleveland
Category:Democratic Party (United States) politicians