Washington Women's History Consortium

Women's Clubs and Organizations

Jeanne Syverson, President, 1988-1990

Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs

Mrs. Norris Syverson was the forty-ninth President of the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs.

Jeanne and her twin sister were born in Spokane, WA February 11, 193 1. They were adopted when they were about nine months old by William and Virginia Verran of Wapato. Graduating in 1949 from the Wapato Public Schools, Jeanne attended Washington State College and worked at the Yakima Valley Regional Library as a Library Assistant.

In 1953 Jeanne married Norris Syverson, a self-employed tax consul tax-accountant. After working for two years as a secretary to the Wapato Junior High School Principal, she joined the family business and became the office manager. The Syverson's had ‘three children: Barbara, a legal secretary; Nancy, an administrative assistant with a private human services management firm; and Eric, who owns a marketing company.

Among her civic activities Jeanne has been campaign manager for the United Way, is a Past President of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Wapato Lioness Club and the Wapato PTA. She has served on the Central Washington Kidney Foundation Board and participates actively in the Wapato Community Presbyterian Church.

Jeanne's Federation activities are numerous. She is a Past President of the Wapato Wohele Juniors, the Athenaeum Club, -the Yakima Valley District, both General and Junior Memberships, and is a member of the President's Emeritus and a charter member of the Director's Emeritus.

She was recognized as Advisor of the Year while serving as General/Junior Liaison to the Wapato Wohele Juniors. She has had a wide variety of positions on the state level, culminating in her being elected President for the 1988-1990 administration.

Jeanne began her term of office by presiding at the Post-Convention Board Meeting May 1, 1988. She introduced a Westinghouse consultant, Jan Carlin, as her special assistant. Jan presented WSFWC with a Westinghouse check for $3,500, to be used as needed by WSFWC.

"A Century of Service - A Future of Promise" was the theme chosen this administration. The fall workshop and mid-year board meeting were at the Wenatchee Thunderbird September 2-3-25, 1988. A Centennial scarf to be worn at federation events was proposed.

"Celebrate Washington" was the theme of the 93rd annual convention at the Sea-Tac Marriott, in Seattle, April 27-29. It was announced that the 1989 Endowment Fund, in the amount of $1,989, was complete. A recommendation passed to begin a new Endowment named the 21st Century Fund, in the amount of $2, 100.

Among the business items, it was stated that WSFWC currently had a combined Junior-General membership of 2,505. In support of the GFWC Centennial, members purchased copies of "Reaching Out," the history of GFWC. A book about clubhouses owned by women's clubs in the state was written by Debbie Webb and a copy was sent to Washington, D.C. for inclusion in the GFWC History and Resource Center.

$3,300 in Educational Scholarships were awarded.

A productive fall workshop and mid-year board meeting were at the Yakima Red Lion on September 22-24, 1989. Updated copies of the bylaws were distributed. Westinghouse underwrote the printing of new profiles.

Lou Brown, GFWC Home Life Department, Economics Division Chairman was in attendance and presented a seminar, as well as being the featured dinner speaker.

At the GFWC video teleconference at BrIlevue Community College, a cake decorated with the GFWC emblem was served. The history of the GFWC was given. During the teleconference, the President of the United States spoke about the accomplishments of the Federation. The GFWC president conducted a tour of the Headquarters Buildings and introduced the staff. Other teleconference locations were in the Yakima Valley and Spokane,

The final session was "Building for the Secord Century." A Centennial Fashion Show and a motivational speaker were part of the program.

Convention business included passing of bylaw amendments and presentation of awards. Thedeathof98year-old WSFWC Past Historian Leona McCulloch was reported.

Westinghouse Hanford hosted a reception in honor of WSFWC President Jeanne and GFWC Second Vicepresident Jeannine Faubion who would later install the newly elected officers. At the final convention banquet farewell addresses were heard from Jeanne and Joan Ray, Director of the WSFWC Junior Membership.

Jeanne's Federation involvements have continued beyond the WSFWC. She has received several GFWC Board appointments and served Western State Region as its Secretary/Treasurcr, Vice-president and was elected WSR President from 1996-1998.