Family, friends gather to honor former Rep. Phyllis Gutirrez Kenney at memorial

A memorial service for former State Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez Kenney drew over 300 attendees on June 28 at The Mountaineers Club in Seattle. Kenney, who passed away on May 13, was celebrated for her lifelong advocacy for marginalized communities and her pioneering role as a Latino politician in Washington. Her daughter, Elizabeth Maltos, praised Kenney’s unwavering dedication to her family despite financial struggles. State Sen.

Javier Valdez recalled their first encounter in 1991, highlighting Kenney's passion for advocating for in-state tuition for undocumented students. Valdez pointed out that Kenney's candidacy for Secretary of State in 1996 was significant for the Latino community, marking the beginning of increased Latino representation in Washington politics. Civic leader Wally Webster shared a story from 1969, illustrating Kenney's fearlessness while working to improve farm workers' rights. Attendees reflected on her self-determination and resilience, cementing her legacy in the hearts of those she impacted. The memorial underscored Kenney's commitment to opening doors for future generations.