Remembering longtime West Seattleite Susan Fortney, 1949-2013

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A memorial service is planned August 2nd for Susan Fortney, whose family shares this remembrance:

Susan Theresa Fortney, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on June 22, 2013.

Susie was born in Wallace, Idaho, on April 3, 1949 and moved to West Seattle at the age of 2- she was a lifelong resident of the West Seattle area, attending Cooper Elementary, Boren Middle School, then graduating from Chief Sealth High School in 1968. She continued on to receive an associate’s degree to become a nurse from Skagit Valley Community College.

Susie was a nurse, in heart and profession, at Valley Medical Center for several years, and then went to work for a law firm, working as a office manager until her full-time retirement in 2011.

She was an avid gardener, bird watcher, and loved taking long walks on Alki. Her walks typically included stopping at Starbucks for a Caramel Macchiato. She was also actively involved in her grandchildren’s lives and will always be Pama to them.

Susie is survived by her daughters Traci Parrish (Josh) and Theresa Beaulieu (Jason). Grandchildren, Kianna Bolar, Noel Younger, Amethyst Beaulieu, Annaliese Herrera, Adrianna Herrera, Lyanne Younger, and Dakota Parrish. She is also survived by her siblings, Kay Furin (Donavan), Tom Semple (Colleen), Debbie Jenkins (Scott), John Semple (Becky), Allan Semple, and Mary Soleberg (Tim) – along with their families. She loved and was loved by many more family and close friends.

Susie is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Lila Semple and best friend Ronald Goldsmith.

The memorial service and celebration of life will be held on August 2, 2013, at 1 pm at Holy Rosary Church in West Seattle, with Father John Madigan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Seattle Parks Foundation at 105 South Main Street #235, Seattle, WA 98104, referencing Susan Fortney – Alki Park Bench.

(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Kevin July 3, 2013 (11:26 pm)

I never knew knew her – but what short life. So sad.

Uncle Joe July 4, 2013 (1:13 pm)

I’m grateful to have known her. Susie was a dear woman, always a giver and quick with a smile or laugh, a rare and wonderful combination. She will be missed.
– Joe

Anjie July 4, 2013 (1:45 pm)

She did a lot for her family and was a genuinely nice woman with a friendly smile. Sad to have her gone so soon.

Curtis July 6, 2013 (3:15 pm)

For 16 years Sue was a mother figure in my life. She was always available whenever I needed someone to talk to. Although her daughter and I didn’t work out, I loved her and I believe she felt the same towards me. My life and my childrens lives are better for having Susan in them.

Melissa July 7, 2013 (2:29 am)

Love you aunt Sue. <3

Amy July 7, 2013 (11:21 am)

My auntie Sue was an amazing woman! She helped raised and form me into the woman I am today. She was so much more than an auntie to me. There are so many awesome memories wrapped around soul. I am so thankful to be a part of her family.

I know your safe, I know your free and I know without a shadow of doubt I will see you again. I will love you forever!!

Tom Semple July 7, 2013 (5:18 pm)

Sue was my sister and a close friend. In my eyes she was the heart of our family, the one that kept us united. Always giving and caring up to the last days of her life. It’s an honor to have the priviledge of being related to her.

Vera July 7, 2013 (9:40 pm)

I never had the pleasure of meeting Susie, but I know she had wanted to visit me and see the honeybees. I am so saddened that we never were able to meet and share conversation, garden talk and laughter.
I’m sorry for her family to lose such a beloved woman and friend.
Peace be with you all.

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