Good-bye to Vicky Mroczek, 1951 - 2003
Oct 2: Vicky Mroczek
Activist found ways to help others ward off winter’s chill
Vicky Mroczek sings to an audience of 1,200 at a Columbus conference, April 27-28, 1979, sponsored by her organization, Ohio Public Interest Campaign (later renamed Ohio Citizen Action), Ohio United Auto Workers, and Ohio AFL-CIO (Photo by Steve Cagan).
Vicky Mroczek
COLUMBUS -- "It was 1988, and a deadly heat wave had descended on the Midwest. The Central Ohio Breathing Association put out a call for people to donate air conditioners for distribution to the poor and elderly. Vicky Mroczek called them and later helped the group get a $20,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Development, where she worked. Mroczek, who helped start Project Air Care and spent her career helping the poor with energy issues, died Sunday of a heart attack at her West Side home. She was 52. 'Many people don’t accomplish in a lifetime what she was able to,' said Marie Collart, president of the breathing association. 'She was always on the cutting edge, always had incredible insight into how government could go to work to help citizens of our community that were less-privileged,' Kevin Kidder, Columbus Dispatch. Access fee; no link.
Oct 1: Vicky Mroczek 1951 - 2003

COLUMBUS -- Vicky Mroczek, who helped build Ohio Citizen Action in its early years, died on Sunday. She was the Chief of the Office of Community Services at the Ohio Department of Development, where she managed the Home Energy Assistance Program and the Community Services Block Grant through Ohio's 52 local community action agencies. Last winter, for example, Vicky's office helped 132,201 of Ohio's poorest families whose utilities had disconnected them or were threatening to do so. She was a quiet and effective leader, and a good friend.

COLUMBUS -- "Marie Victoria "Vicky" Mroczek," age 52, died September 28, 2003 at the residence. Vicky was a long time employee of the Ohio Department of Development where she was Chief of the Office of Community Services. She devoted her career to improving the conditions of poverty for Ohio's low-income. She was a prominent advocate for low-income energy issues on both the state and national levels where she was the President of the National Low-Income Energy Consortium. She was also a past Board Member of the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Prior to beginning her public service career, she received her undergraduate degree in International Relations from Miami University in Oxford, Oh., where she spent her Junior Year studing abroad at the Luxenberg Center. She completed her doctorate in Political Science at The Ohio State University. She is the beloved daughter of the late Michael Mroczek and Phyllis Mroczek of Pompano, Fla. Loving husband, George of 24 years. Devoted sister, Michelle Mroczek of Bradenton, Fla. Vicky will be sadly missed by her numerous friends, co-workers and devoted staff. Friends may call at Jerry Spears Funeral Home with Crematory, 2693 W. Broad St., Friday 5-7 p.m., where service will be held 7 p.m. Friday. Rev. Robert Ward officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5455 N. High St., Columbus, Oh. 43214," obituary, Columbus Dispatch.