Throughout her fight with cancer, she
maintained a positive attitude and continued her concern. Jo
Marie Schultz had a fighting spirit that inspired and encouraged
others to be their best and never backed away from a fight or
a challenge, which made her a wonderful advocate for workers and
our Union. Even as she battled cancer, when friends called to
check in and cheer her up, it was Jo Marie that ended up lifting
their spirits and leaving them feeling better just by talking
to her. Jo Marie's quiet determination, deep concern for others, and genuine love of life guided her daily activities, as she strived to make the world a better place. While she was small in stature, she had a huge heart and openly shared her love of life with all. She left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to have known her.
She began working at Boeing in 1967 as a blue print clerk. She was active in the Machinists Union her entire career at Boeing - holding numerous elected and appointed positions, including District Council Delegate, Local F Recording Secretary, Vice President, Financial Secretary, Sentinel, Grand Lodge Convention Delegate, Legislative Committee, Washington Machinists Council, and Snohomish County Labor Council Delegate.
While Jo Marie was active in the 1977 and 1989 strikes counseling members and serving as a picket captain, she worked nearly every day of the 1995 strike at the Auburn Hall as a member of the Defense Committee.
Most recently she held the position of Administrator for the Quality Through Training Program (QTTP), where she helped members realize their educational goals and delivered much needed services. One program at QTTP that was especially dear to her was helping our laid-off members enter retraining and other employment. Like in her other endeavors, her compassion and genuine concern made her a natural choice to work with these members.
Over the years, Jo Marie received a number of awards for her service to the Union and its members.
Helping others was truly a way of life for Jo Marie - whether it was through Union service, in the community or at various charitable organizations. Her compassion for others was a driving force in her life. She served on Board of Directors of the American Red Cross and United Way in Snohomish County, as well as getting elected to the Boeing Employees Good Neighbor Fund (now the Employees Community Fund) Board of Trustees. Every year during the BEGNF or ECF drive, Jo Marie would volunteer as a booster to educate and recruit others on the importance of contributing to this organization. Jo Marie was one of the first hourly loaned executives for United Way - convincing others to contribute to this worthwhile organization. She co-founded the Snohomish County Labor Council's Community Service Committee, which she chaired for many years. In addition, she helped establish Operation Shortfall and regularly helped with fundraising for this organization that provides food and other vital resources to residents of Snohomish County. Because she was so involved in so many things, it is hard to capture in a few sentences Jo Marie's many community activities over the years.
Jo Marie is survived by her husband of 30 years Al Schultz. She and Al enjoyed a full and rewarding life together. They journeyed to such far away places as Spain, Israel and the Fiji Islands. She often said her most memorable trip was when she was a member of the Union's Legislative Committee and attended the first inauguraton of President Bill Clinton. When they were not traveling, their favorite place to spend time was on their island retreat in the San Juan's.
Jo Marie's compassion and warm personality touched us all, and she will be greatly missed!