In Memoriam for a Leader, a Mentor, and a Thinker
Jo Collinge (center, seated) in 2010 with, left to right, (unknown*), Ingeborg Paulus, Jo, Janis Fensch, Dorothy Davis, and Georgia McGregor.
From Annette Bagley:
Jo Collinge was a mentor to me who embodied how to show up as a woman in the professional workplace and how to care deeply about the needs of women in our community.
I met her while working at Western and when we met, I had come from a career in a male-dominated field that saw women as a liability. Jo became my professional role model for women’s achievement. She was a talented writer and editor and a wise colleague. She always found something to laugh about. I was honored when she invited me to join the board of the YWCA, and it was there that I learned what an amazing group of women could accomplish together. Jo’s unwavering dedication to the YWCA Bellingham and the women it serves was motivating. Even in the face of difficulties she never gave up hope and continued to inspire others with her steadfast vision.
Thank you, Jo. You are missed.
From Robin Bailey:
I was introduced to Jo in 2004, and remember standing at the back of some political group with her as she listened and smoked. I met intensely with her for a while and then we both went on with our business. We would have occasional lunches, exchanging ideas, histories, laughter, book recommendations and political commentary.
I was often in awe of her experience, challenging gender boundaries that stood in her way. And exacting truth out of whatever circumstance she found herself in. At some point, when my other obligations were reduced, she invited me to be on the YWCA Board. I joined the group and watched and listened and learned. Her commitment and dedication to the Y was complete, always paying attention to what was the best strategy. She had far-reaching knowledge which she shared liberally and a quick dry wit which she shared more sparingly. After she resigned from the Board and was less able to get around to do all the things she wanted to do, we spent time in her home catching up on all the goings on. In my mind she was an early pioneer in women’s empowerment, in seeking the truth from elected officials and in making significant and generous contributions to our community through the YWCA and the League of Women Voters.
Her question sessions for the League were legendary for their clear unbiased prose. I’ve known some wonderful women in my life and she’s one of them.
From Kirsten Barron:
Jo’s death is a tremendous loss to this chaotic orb we reside on. I remember Jo’s sharp and careful thinking process – and her willingness to share that process in a direct yet open way. She was a values-driven person so her intellect and heart were in alignment – a powerful force. Jo was wonderful to work with not only because of her smarts, but also because she was funny and irreverent and brave. She was one of those people that was just so fun to be around, which is not always true of really smart people. It was fun and exciting to be around her, watch her brain work and do the intellectual dance with her. She was a treasure and we are lesser without her. Yet, I know she would be looking to all of us to fill in for her absence, which is the best way we can pay tribute to this extraordinary human – through our work in the world.
From Annette Holcomb:
Jo Collinge was an active member of our League and led the election forum team for several years. She handled any challenge that came her way with care and professionalism. As coordinator of the question writing team, she had a talent for listening to each person's ideas and then crafting the best wording for clear and fair questions. I am grateful to have served on the LWVBWC Board with Jo for several years, where I came to appreciate her sense of humor and dedication to our voter services work.
This article links to her fascinating obituary with more about her professional and personal life.
*If you recognize this member, please contact communications@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org and we'll update this page.