2025 Women of Wisdom to be honored at annual gala

By Reader Staff

Sherry Fulton. Courtesy photo.

The Women Honoring Women committee is preparing to celebrate its 2025 Women of Wisdom selectees with a gala brunch Saturday, June 14 at the Marigold Bistro inside the Sandpoint Center (414 Church St.).

Chosen from among nominees were five final honore

es: Sherry Fulton, Nancy Hadley, Susan Howard, Linda Navarre and Terri Palmer, recognizing their commitment to the community, their leadership and service, and for acting as role models for younger generations.

Family, friends, previous Women of Wisdom recipients and members of the public are invited to the event, which begins at 11 a.m. Tickets cost $40 and must be purchased in advance, as seating is limited. Contact

Diane Stockton at 208-290-6362, or stockton_diane@yahoo.com, to reserve a seat.

Nancy Hadley. Courtesy photo.

The brunch will also include this year’s Women Honoring Women scholarship recipients.

In addition to this year’s recognition, Women Honoring Women has begun a new project to preserve the stories of its Women of Wisdom in a book, which is intended to preserve their stories and celebrate the legacy of the program.

Though still in its early stages, the book will be periodically updated to serve as an evolving archive of Bonner County’s exceptional women. The group hopes that proceeds from sales will help support future events and fund scholarships — ensuring continued access and affordability for all attendees.

As part of the project, Women Honoring Women is reaching out to the community to collect speeches given by past recipients of the award. Anyone who has a copy of a speech — whether it was delivered by themselves, received from another, or passed along by a family member or friend — is invited to contribute.

Susan Howard. Courtesy photo.

Both physical and digital formats are welcome.

Since its inception in 1999, the organization has recognized more than 140 Bonner County women who have contributed to the betterment of the community through their service and leadership. Candidates must be 65 years or older to be nominated, and the final honorees are chosen by the committee on a number of criteria. The committee looks for women with vision, who achieve goals through collaboration, who love to learn and who are committed to serving the community. 

Those who are selected demonstrate “dedicated leadership that results in admiration and respect from others,” and are “an

Linda Navarre. Courtesy photo.

Terri Palmer. Courtesy photo.

inspiration to others and an example for future generations of women,” organizers stated. 

A Woman of Wisdom “faces life’s challenges with grace and courage and lives with dignity, integrity,” they added. “The fact that there are so many exceptional women in our community makes the selection process difficult.”

The 2025 Women Honoring Women committee members include: Sue Brooks, Barbara Buchanan, Cassandra Cayson, Kathy Chambers, Patti Clemons, Deanna Harris, Alana Hatcher, Jenni Hewitt, Julie Jurenka, Carrie LaGrace, Pat Lewis, Barb Merritt, Jeralyn Mire, Marlene Rorke, Sandy Ross, Kari Saccomanno, Tina Sleyster, Diane Stockton, Sally Transue and Cherie Warber.