2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26108366D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 268

Offered March 6, 2026

Celebrating the life of Irene Cuda Rosenbaum.

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Patrons—Tran, Shin and Watts; Senators: Boysko and Salim

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WHEREAS, Irene Cuda Rosenbaum, a loving wife and mother, distinguished patent examiner, devoted volunteer, and beloved member of the Springfield community, died on July 24, 2025; and

WHEREAS, born in Washington, D.C., Irene Rosenbaum graduated from Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, before earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland; and

WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum contributed meaningfully to innovation and the advancement of intellectual property in the United States by dedicating 20 years of service to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where she served as a patent examiner in the mechanical arts and oversaw the issuance of patents to 2,056 inventions; and

WHEREAS, a trailblazer in her field, Irene Rosenbaum was the first woman in her art unit at the USPTO and became the first employee to secure maternity leave, serving as both a member of the negotiating team and the test case in 1989; her success led to paid parental leave being extended to all employees, benefiting generations of patent professionals; and

WHEREAS, through her exemplary leadership with the Patent Office Professional Association (POPA), including service as a delegate to its executive committee, Irene Rosenbaum advocated for her colleagues and received numerous honors for her outstanding service, including the POPA Distinguished Service Award and the United States Department of Commerce Bronze Medal Award for Superior Federal Service; and

WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum devoted 17 years of volunteer service to Crestwood Elementary School in Springfield, where she tutored, mentored, and supported countless students, becoming a cherished fixture in the school community known for her warmth, generosity, and tireless dedication to children's success; and

WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum also gave generously of her time to the First Baptist Church of Springfield and St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Springfield, living out her faith through service, compassion, and steadfast care for others; and

WHEREAS, after suffering a major stroke in 2004 and being told she would never walk again, Irene Rosenbaum demonstrated extraordinary bravery and resolve as she overcame every challenge she faced and inspired all who witnessed her resilience and strength; and

WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum's legacy of service and commitment to education continues through the Irene Rosenbaum Memorial Fund, established to support the students and staff of Crestwood Elementary School, and through the Irene Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship Fund to assist local students in pursuing higher education; and

WHEREAS, Irene Rosenbaum will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her husband of nearly 26 years, Mark; her children, Joseph, Carmine, and Gilman, and their father, Carmine; her sisters, Valerie and Kathy; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Irene Cuda Rosenbaum, a cherished member of the Springfield community whose light brightened countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Irene Cuda Rosenbaum as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory.