Fraternity-Testvériség, 2000 (78. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2000-04-01 / 2. szám
FRATERNITY Page 35 OBITUARIES Jo-Ann Molnár (1954-2000) Jo-Ann Molnár, legal researcher for the Human Relations Commission for Montgomery County Government, died January 31 at Johns Hopkins Hospital after a courageous battle with melanoma, skin cancer. Jo-Ann was born November 4, 1954 in Garfield, New Jersey where she grew up. She moved to Maryland in 1977, but never forgot her New Jersey origins and humorously referred to herself as “Jersey Jo.” While living there, she completed her B.A. in History and Political Science, graduating magna cum laude from Farleigh Dickerson University in 1977. Jo-Ann received an M.A. in Political Science from American University in 1979. She continued her education and received a paralegal certificate from the University of Maryland in 1986. Jo-Ann was a political activist and volunteer. Her impressive record includes working as a legal researcher for the Human Relations Commission (1991 -2000), member of the library board of the Montgomery County Department of Public Libraries, legislative intern for council member Michael Gudis (1987-1991), legal assistant for the MD State Attorney’s Office (1985-1987), and congressional liaison assistant for the US Department of Health and Human Services (1980-1981). She also held congressional internships (1977-1979) at the US Senate, Office of Donald Reigle, House of Representatives’ Office of Andrew Maguire, and of William F. Golding. Grounded in Jo-Ann’s political activism was her commitment to push for improving and implementing legislation for Americans with disabilities. Jo-Ann was bom with cerebral palsy and never tired of fighting against prejudice toward those with disabilities, and for making public areas accessible to all. She made several significant contributions to the Americans with Disabilities Act. She began her political activism in her teenage years, and was honored at a reception for the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, known as PL94-142. Jo-Ann was also a pro-active member of her community. She was both member and president of the Montgomery County Young Democrats. Jo-Ann was involved extensively in church work - on committees and serving as a Sunday School teacher and Confirmation teacher at Foundry United Methodist Church. In recent years, she enjoyed participating in programs at Colesville United Methodist Church where she completed two years of Disciple Bible study and had begun teaching a class this fall. Jo-Ann will be best remembered for her quick wit and dry sense of humor. We, her family, will miss her. She is survived by her mother, Helen Molnár; her two sisters - Dorothy Molnár and Ilona Komjáthy; her nieces - Victoria Komjáthy, Sarton and Anjelica Molnar-Fenton and her nephew Dr. Steven Komjáthy who were the joy of her life. She enjoyed the Federation and she always looked forward to seeing her friends at social gatherings and in Ligonier. (Jo-Ann was the daughter of the late Joseph Molnár, who served as Treasurer of the Federation 1976-1984.) James P. Kirwin (1942-2000) James P. Kirwin, Sr. died on February 24, 2000 at the age of 58. Born in Paterson, New Jersey he lived here for the past 31 years. Before retiring in 1994, he was a collection supervisor for the Passaic Valley Water Commission in Clifton where he worked for 28 years. Subsequently, he was a driver for NAPA Auto Parts Co., Garfield. He was a member of the National Association of Rudimental Drummers and the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Association of Fifers and Drummers. He was a winner of the New Jersey State Championship individual snare drumming contest in 1971 with one of the highest scores ever achieved, a final score of 93.9. He finished fourth at the Northeastern Conference of 13 states. He was a rudimental drumming instructor for the Creskill Colonials of New Jersey, the Lodi Boys and Girls Club, and St. Michael R.C. Church, Lyndhurst. He was a founders of N.J. Colonial Militia to Keep Patriotic Music Alive. He was a member and former director of Sons and Daughters of the former 5th Regiment Fife & Drum Corps. He was a long-time member of Branch 368 of the HRFA. He was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers. Surviving are his wife, a son, three daughters, two sisters, a brother, and four grandchildren.
