Wilma Bishop, a Ballard High Graduate
By Ed Medeiros, Founding PNA Executive Director
When I heard the news that Wilma Bishop, long-time neighbor and active member of the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) since the early 1980s, passed away on June 12, 2025, at the age of 100, memories of her came flooding back.
Wilma graduated from Ballard High School in 1943 and by the time she was 27, she had lived in both Hawaii and Kentucky, gotten married, and was widowed with 3 young daughters to raise. When she returned to Seattle, she purchased a house on Dayton Ave. N., just a few blocks from the Phinney Center, where she raised her daughters, attended college, and became a certified public accountant.
Building the PNA’s Financial Foundation
With a desire to contribute to her community, Wilma became a PNA Board Member in 1984 and was Board Treasurer by 1985. It was then that I began working closely with Wilma, when she asked to see the PNA Books of Account.
At that point, several programs were running with Federal Block Grant funding and City of Seattle oversight. Each program had a separate contract, budget, and reporting system with the City, and as the PNA Executive Director, I oversaw the finances and submitted said program reports. I really lacked accounting knowledge, and so consequently, the PNA only had a check book and check register for each of contracts.
When I showed Wilma our “Books of Account” she laughed, and said, “Those are check books, not an accounting system.” She brought me a basic textbook to help me learn accounting and then proceeded to set up a real accounting system for the PNA.
As a result, Wilma became our volunteer accountant. She entered financial data into an early electronic accounting program and generated financial reports for review and record-keeping purposes. She continued to do PNA accounting for many years until we had a laptop computer and could afford our own accounting software. Even then, Wilma trained our new PNA bookkeeper to use our accounting system – the foundation she had developed and implemented gave way to her legacy: putting the PNA on solid financial footing.
A Neighbor, a Reader, a Friend
Wilma and I became good friends while she served on the PNA Board and taught me accounting. I discovered that she was an avid reader and invited her to join a book club held monthly in my home. She remained in the club for many years where she contributed her thoughts and humor on a regular basis. She once pointed out, “there are very few people my age that are active in the community. I miss socializing with my contemporaries but am grateful for the many younger friends I have made.”
Wilma made many friends over the years.
PNA Village Membership gave lots of opportunity to connect with others!
Shaping the Village Vision
In 2010 she became active with the PNA once again, when she found out that the PNA was considering the development of a new program called a Village. Its purpose was to enable people to remain in their homes for as long as possible through the help of neighborhood volunteers, social events, and other organized support systems.
Wilma attended a “Village Visioning Session” where she predicted ways the Village would help her and others in the future. She envisioned rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and events. She became a member of the Village Steering Committee which developed and implemented the PNA Village Program in 2012.
She continued to support the Village as a Village member and as a founding Advisory Board member. Wilma even became the Village “Poster Child” for recruiting new members, sharing her experience using the Village volunteers to enhance her quality of life. Her favorite story to share? When Wilma needed help getting to the grocery store, she requested a volunteer from the Village to take her shopping. At first it was just a ride, but soon the volunteer began doing her personal shopping alongside Wilma. Their friendship grew and it was no longer a Village volunteer doing a favor, but friends doing things together. Wilma’s experience was the essence of this community she helped bring to life.
A Legacy of Community Care
Wilma was able to remain in her home in Phinney Ridge until a few years ago when she moved to a senior retirement home in Gig Harbor to be closer to one of her daughters.
I thank Wilma for her many contributions to the PNA, her concern and work for her aging neighbors, and her friendship. May she rest in peace.
Carrying Wilma’s Legacy Forward
Wilma’s story is a reminder that one neighbor’s dedication can shape an entire community. From stabilizing our finances to inspiring the Village, her impact continues to touch lives today.
As we honor Wilma and others like her, we invite you to join us in carrying this legacy forward. The Power of Community: Legacy Makers Campaign supports the full breadth of PNA programming – from childcare to senior support, from social connection to community action.
Your gift today ensures that neighbors of every generation, just like Wilma, will find belonging, care, and purpose at the PNA.
Wilma enjoyed getting around the city with family and friends.
The Power of Community: Legacy Makers fundraiser supports the full breadth of PNA’s work – from the Greenwood Senior Center, Memory Loss, and Village programs to community meals and community spaces like the Phinney Center Campus and beyond. Your generosity helps us continue creating welcoming placesa and meaningful programs for all neighbors at every life stage.
