Alaska lost a champion recently – a champion for equal rights, education, democratic values, and basic kindness. Former State Senator Judith “Judy” Salo died on August 24. A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, September 18, at 5 PM at the Crimson Restaurant at the Wildbirch Hotel in Anchorage.
“Judy Salo was a tireless advocate for education,” said Judy’s longtime friend, Lieutenant Gov. Fran Ulmer. “As a teacher, legislator, and community volunteer, she worked to ensure Alaska’s education system was fair, effective, and adequately funded. Her commitment to public service and democratic values inspired many others to actively participate in the hard work of building a better future for Alaska.”
“Senator Judy Salo was and is a legend,” said Alaska Democratic Party Chair Eric Croft. “She always fought for children, as a teacher, NEA activist, legislator, and after. She will be missed. I’m really, really happy that she lived to see the veto override to support education.”
Originally from Tower, Minnesota, Judy moved to Alaska with her husband, Robb, in 1965, first to Nome, then to Kenai. She taught 5th grade for more than 20 years. Active in NEA, she served as President of the Kenai Peninsula Education Association, NEA-Alaska Vice President, President, and Director, and was inducted into the NEA-Alaska Hall of Fame. Judy was appointed to the Alaska House of Representatives in 1990 and was elected to the Alaska Senate in 1992.