Velma Cochran, Ywca Leader, Was A Woman Ahead Of Her Time

Velma O. Cochran, a longtime executive with the YWCA, was a role model for young women: She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Washington, rowed on the first Husky women's crew and supported causes from personal fitness to international peace.

Always an avid reader, she earned a master's degree in English from Columbia University, then took an eight-month tour of Europe to round out her education.

Yet she did it all minus fanfare, with typical ease and humor.

"She was never a bra burner, but was, in her own quiet way, ahead of her time because she did what she wanted," said her niece Mary Barton of Bellevue. "She was beautiful, strong, and influenced a lot of lives as she went along - particularly women and children."

Miss Cochran died May 28 of what her family thinks was an aneurysm or a blood clot. She had celebrated her 100th birthday April 11.

Born in McCook, Neb., she moved with her family to Seattle in 1902 and graduated from Broadway High School.

She majored in English and French both at the UW and at Columbia in New York City.

After touring Europe in 1926, she settled down to work at the YWCA and became an executive secretary, an administrative position.

She oversaw staffing, class programs and camp sessions in YWCA facilities from Oregon and California to Arizona and Ohio.

In 1960, she returned to Seattle and served on the board of directors of YWCA of Seattle-King County from 1961 to 1966.

"She was a good role model for others, especially young women and her nieces and nephews," her niece said. "She was funny and positive, but never judgmental. She was always interested in others, but didn't talk much about herself. She pressed the button and the elevator went up."

After retirement, Miss Cochran volunteered with American Friends Service Committee peace-advocacy programs, enjoyed activities at Women's University Club, and was involved in projects at Seattle First United Methodist Church, of which she was a life member.

Other survivors include her nephews Perry Cochran Jr. of Los Gatos, Calif., and Lamont Cochran of Santa Barbara, Calif., and her niece Marion Gillette of West Palm Beach, Fla.

Services have been held.

Remembrances may go to YWCA Family Village, 16601 N.E. 80th St., Redmond, WA 98052.

Carole Beers' phone message number is 206-464-2391. Her e-mail address is: cbee-new@seatimes.com