Elizabeth Crownhart Vaughan

Former Skamokawa resident Elizabeth Crownhart Vaughan, died February 15 from complications related to a recent stroke. She was 82.

Better known as Sherry, Vaughan was born in Madison, Wis., to Jesse George and Hildegarde Wooll Crownhart.

In 1946, she attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduated with a degree in economics. She married Tom in 1951, and moved to Portland three years later.

She served on numerous boards, including the Portland Opera, Oregon Symphony and Chamber Music Northwest and was the first woman to serve on the boards of both Nordstrom and First Interstate Bank, now Wells Fargo Bank; she also became the first woman granted membership to the exclusive Arlington Club in 1990.

In 1970, she earned a graduate degree in Russian history from Portland State University and began a career as an expert on Russian history and culture.

She is survived by her brother, George Crownhart of Madison; four children, including daughters Cameron of Portland, Margot of London and Meagan of Mill Valley, Calif.; son Stephen of Vancouver, B.C.; and 10 grandchildren.

The family will hold a private service. A memorial service open to the public will be held in early summer, with a location announced later. The family has requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Oregon Historical Society, hospice services at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center or the Alzheimer's Association.