Corte Madera luminary Phyllis Metcalfe dies at 78

Marinscope

Corte Madera luminary Phyllis Metcalfe, 78, died earlier this month of heart failure. 

Metcalf was a longtime fixture in Corte Madera and a College of Marin trustee from 1979 to 2003.

She worked as a political consultant and was once a representative to the Democratic Central Committee-Marin and an appointee to the California Democratic State Central Committee.

The Town of Corte Madera issued the announcement of Metcalfe’s passing:

“It is with great sadness and deep sympathy that the Town announces the unexpected passing of Planning Commissioner, good governance advocate, and longtime Corte Madera resident, Phyllis Metcalfe. Phyllis had been an active member of the Corte Madera Planning Commission since her appointment in 2012.   Phyllis was extremely thoughtful, thorough, and decisive when rendering planning decisions, and was not shy in communicating her feelings regarding the importance of fair government processes and passion for good architecture and design in improving Corte Madera for current and future residents.  She also made many contributions to other areas of Town government, most recently successfully advocating for capping campaign contributions for Town elected officials.”

The Town also said that “Phyllis’s commitment to the community extended beyond her elected positions. Phyllis also volunteered for a number of community organizations including:  Marin Coalition, Marin Forum, Wednesday Morning Dialogue, National Women’s Political Caucus, Marin Center for Independent Living, Exodus Residential Treatment for Autism, Marin County Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, United Way of the Bay Area, Marin IJ Adopt-A-Family Campaign, University of Northern California, & Golden Gate Theological Seminary.  She considered herself a “proud activist” and advocated throughout her life for civil rights and civil treatment for all.”