The Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio has adopted a resolution in memory of Mary Rose Oakar, expressing deep sadness over her passing and extending condolences to her family and friends. Oakar is remembered for her significant contributions to public service, having served on the Cleveland City Council and for sixteen years in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she was a pioneering figure as the first Democratic woman from Ohio and the first Arab-American, Syrian-American, and Lebanese-American woman elected to Congress. Her legislative efforts focused on women's and elder issues, government employee rights, Social Security, and the revitalization of downtown Cleveland.

In addition to her political career, Oakar was an educator and a devoted member of her community, known for her generosity and commitment to improving the quality of life for those around her. Her legacy is characterized by her warmth, understanding, and dedication to family, friends, and community. The resolution serves as a tribute to her honorable life and the lasting impact she made, with the Senate Clerk tasked to transmit a copy of the resolution to her family.