Jermaine E. Magnuson

Following a 12-year courtship, she wed the late US Senator Warren Magnuson on October 4, 1964, at a ceremony in Washington, DC hosted by then President Lyndon and Lady Bird Johnson. As his wife, Jermaine was Maggie's best friend, trusted confidante and constant companion. She campaigned tirelessly on his behalf. Her interest in state politics and the welfare of Washington citizens was paramount.

In recent years, Jermaine helped raise awareness and funding for diabetes research with Seattle's Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute (PNDRI). She was also involved with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and was a member of the Founder's Circle at Swedish Medical Center.

She led efforts with local, state and national political leaders to establish the Warren G. and Jermaine Magnuson Institute for Biomedical Research and Health Professions Training at the University of Washington; the Warren G. and Jermaine Magnuson Chair in Neurosciences at the UW School of Medicine; and the Warren G. and Jermaine Magnuson UW Health Sciences Scholars Endowed Program. Over 100 students have received the Magnuson scholarship and currently contribute to US and international health sciences.

Preceded in death by her husband, US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, she is survived by her daughter Juanita Garrison (Harry Holt); her grandchildren, Leslie Jermaine and Donald Garrison, Jr.; her brother, Doss Bert Elliott and nephew, Tom Elliott.

Remembrances may be sent to the Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute, 720 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122 or online at pndri.org and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N,. Seattle, WA 98109.

A private gathering will be held at a later date.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.