In Honor of Judith Simonson, NLI Board Secretary

It is with a sad heart that I inform you of the passing of our District 2 Director Judith Simonson. As a tribute to Judith, I would like to dedicate this month’s Manager’s Report in her memory.

Judith was born November 26, 1939, and passed away Friday, December 20, 2019, in Coeur d’ Alene. She was a graduate of the Boston University School of Management and attended Harvard College, school of the Museum of Fine Arts School, Boston, and University of Wisconsin. She was a certified, credentialed director with a Board Leadership Certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Judith joined the NLI Board in 1994. She served as board president for six years and board secretary for 13 years. She was deeply committed to the community, our member-owners and the cooperative principles. Judith also served on the board of the Montana Electric Cooperative Association for 20 years and was well known throughout the rural electric cooperative family as a leader and good friend.

She was known throughout Sanders County by her pen name, Jay Simons. Judith worked as a contributor for the Sanders County Ledger for more than 35 years. She loved meeting people writing stories, and always had a positive outlook on life.

Judith was devoted to her community. She was the former assistant director of Sanders County Community Development, established Trout Creek as the Huckleberry Capital of Montana, and was a board member and volunteer of the Noxon Food Bank and Thrift Store.

We are grateful to her family for sharing Judith with the cooperative. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Annie Terracciano
General Manager