Former Area 5 Trustee Joanne Montgomery died Monday night, Board of Trustees President Dr. Patricia Rasmussen announced during the Citrus College Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 15. Montgomery ended her term last month as the Monrovia, Bradbury and Duarte representative on the Citrus College Board of Trustees.
“Joanne Montgomery, our beloved former colleague, passed away last night,” Rasmussen tearfully said. “A passionate educator, a tireless community servant, she dedicated her life to helping others. Her loss will not only be felt by the college, but throughout the entire San Gabriel Valley.”
Montgomery was an elementary school teacher in the Monrovia Unified School District for 32 years before being elected to the Citrus College Board of Trustees in 1999. She is survived by two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
“Citrus College was really fortunate to have such a kind, passionate and generous leader like Mrs. Montgomery,” Superintendent/President Dr. Geraldine Perri said. “For more than 20 years, her dedication and love for students helped move Citrus College forward and help make it the amazing place it is today.”
Montgomery was one of three trustees retiring from their position this semester. The governing board has five members representing various areas of the Citrus Community College District.
Mary Ann Lutz, a close friend of Montgomery’s, ran unopposed for her position. She took her oath of office not long after being informed of her friend’s death.
“Joanne’s heart was with Citrus College,” Lutz said. “She is a great loss to all of us who know and love her. … Her legacy will live on, and I am proud to be serving Citrus College in the seat that she sat in.”
The Clarion will have more on Montgomery and her impact on the Citrus College community in a future story.
