Jeanette Testu

Jeanette Testu
Speaker pro tempore of the Washington House of Representatives
In office January 9, 1961 – January 14, 1963
Preceded by	Julia Butler Hansen
Succeeded by	Ella Wintler
Member of the Washington House of Representatives from the 34th district
In office January 10, 1949 – January 14, 1963 Serving with Max Wedekind (1949–1953; 1955–1963) Charles A. Richey (1953–1955)
Preceded by	Charles A. Richey Max Wedekind
Succeeded by	Robert D. Eberle Max Wedekind
In office January 11, 1943 – January 8, 1945 Serving with H. D. Hall
Preceded by	Howard Doherty H. D. Hall
Succeeded by	H. D. Hall Max Wedekind
Personal details
Born	1900 Pierre, South Dakota, U.S.
Died	January 10, 1964(1964-01-10) (aged 63–64) Mexico City, Mexico
Political party	Democratic
Education	Normal school (graduate)
Occupation	Teacher

Jeanette Testu (1900 – January 10, 1964) was an American politician who served eight terms in the Washington House of Representatives between 1943 and 1963. In her last term, she served as Speaker Pro Tempore. She represented Washington's 34th legislative district as a Democrat.[1] She served on numerous committees in her time in the legislature, including terms as chair of the Transportation Committee (1949–1951), Colleges and Universities Committee (1951–1953), and Memorials Committee (1953–1955).[2]

Beyond the legislature

Testu married in 1920 and had three children. She ran unsuccessfully for Seattle City Council in 1944 and 1954, served as a Deputy Sheriff of King County from 1957 to 1960, and was a Democratic National Committeewoman. She also served on the World's Fair Commission starting when it was expanded in 1961,[3] where she was the only woman.[2]

She was affiliated with numerous organizations, including the American Legion, Business and Professional Women, Eagles, Elks, and Supreme Emblem Club, as well as a community service role with the YMCA. In 1961, the State Federation of Democratic Women's Clubs named here Woman of the Year.[2]

References

1. "State of Washington: Members of the Legislature 1889-2019" (PDF). Washington Legislative Information Center. Brad Hendrickson, Secretary of the Senate; Bernard C. Dean, Chief Clerk House of Representatives. February 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
2. "Jeanette Testu" (PDF). Women in the Legislature. Washington State Legislature. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
3. Stein, Alan J. (April 18, 2000), "Century 21 — The 1962 Seattle World's Fair, Part 1", HistoryLink, Seattle: History Ink, retrieved August 3, 2022.

Further reading

Articles:

• “Democratic Women’s Activities in Washington,” The Washington State Democrat, Women’s Legislative Council of Washington, November, 1941
• “Mrs. Jeanette Testu Dies in Mexico City,” Seattle Daily Times, January 10, 1964

Internet:

• Jeanette Testu papers, 1933-1962, University of Washington, Special Collection Manuscripts/Archives

Book:

• Ray Moore: An Oral History, interviewed by Sharon Boswell, Washington State Oral History Program, Office of the Secretary of State, 1999