Obituary

Susan Barrett passed away on August 15, 2024, at home, surrounded by love and light. She was born on January 5, 1947, in Salem, Oregon, to Eldon and Catherine (Ayer) Barrett. She was the younger sister to Michael, and the older sister to Patricia and Rebecca. She grew up in Seattle, attended Roosevelt High School, and then went to college at Western Washington University in Bellingham. After graduating, she spent time traveling around Europe and then returned to Bellingham. She worked at Fairhaven College as the program director until her retirement.

Susan, known to many as Sooby, had an energy unlike any other. An inspiration to many, she carried herself with a professionalism yet kindness that is rare to come by. Many would find encouragement in her excitement and her ability to see the promise in us all, helping those who needed it to see their true potential and to raise the bar we ourselves would go on to set.

As an aunt, she excelled. Her house was open to exploring and playing. She would record tapes reading books for her nieces and nephews, years ago. These tapes offered a glimpse into how much she truly cared about her family. Between The Secret Garden (complete with Yorkshire accent) and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, her voice was able to soothe out the worries and fears of the children listening.

Sooby was also an artist. She made jewelry for many years. She was a huge proponent of fiber crafts. She quilted, embroidered, cross stitched, crocheted, and knitted. She was a prolific producer of scarves, socks, and hats, which she both sold at local art shows and gave out as gifts to all and sundry. She would often also hand out these warm creations to the unhoused members of the community.

Her presence will be missed at family functions and the local grocery store alike, as even those who did not know her are missing out on her unwavering strength and support. But as Susan would’ve wanted, those emotions will eventually dull with the sands of time, whittling down these woes that are so hard to shake into the good moments remembered by us all.

She is survived by her brother Michael (Rilla) Barrett, and her sisters, Patricia (Neil) Jorgensen and Rebecca (Marvin) Waschke. She is also survived by her niece Athena (Nathaneal) Waschke, and her nephews, Ross Jorgensen, Andrew (Laura) Jorgensen, and Paul (Lanni) Waschke, and her great-nephews, Christopher, Matthew, Dario, Oskar, Ellis, Charles, and Gustav.