Originally published on the CGS blog on January 12, 2014.
Cleo P. Michelsen, long-time world federalist, died on September 15, 2013, at the age of 104. Cleo took a leading role in establishing the Washington, DC chapter immediately after the United World Federalists founding assembly in 1947. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1965, where she was a teacher (and co-author of a popular book “Enjoying English”), she provided the major stimulus in making the Southern California Region a center for national leadership. In 1987, Cleo returned to the DC area and founded the Virginia Chapter, while compiling historical material for WFA’s 40th anniversary. In 1995, she received the “WFA Presidential Award” from John Anderson for her strong leadership over the years. Upon news of her passing, encomiums flowed in from all over the country.
- “More than anyone I have known, she not only knew what we need to do to create a world in which human beings can survive, but worked hard at doing it.” – Felix Rosenthal
- “Cleo was one of the most committed to our cause.” – Ed Rawson
- “She was a great motivator, and a great conciliator for a person of such strong views.” – Ira Struass
- “Thanks for your life as a tour de force, Cleo!” – Deb Metke
- “She was a fount of information and ideas….She gave a very high percentage of her income [to WFA]….She quite literally was a force that inspired and moved people to action.” – Tom Camarella
- “She was always ready to help others.” – Ron Glossop
On a final note, Cleo’s husband, Vince Della Penna passed away on December 7, 2013. Although not a world federalist himself, he was a globalist who shared Cleo’s long-term goals. He was also an active member of the Philadelphia and Virginia Global Solutions chapters. Vince and Cleo had a productive and loving dialogue focused upon how to make the world a better place, with a special emphasis on education at all levels. As Ed Rawson noted, “Vince was definitely devoted to her and it would be safe to give him credit for her reaching 104.”
