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BORN
1951
DIED
2018
Sue Bartels Obituary
Sue was born in 1951 and raised in Lansing, Iowa. She moved to Seattle in 1988. Her earthly body died January 19, 2018, but her spirit lives on in all who knew her. Sue is survived by her beloved spouse Beth, as well as family in and around Iowa.
Sue was a vibrant, multi-talented woman. She loved her variety of careers - from public school music teacher and basketball coach in Iowa, to low-brass instrument repair specialist in Colorado, to hospice social worker in the Seattle area - and was guided from one to the other by grace. Her passions included the Mississippi River, where her heart was filled, and music, which filled her soul. She sang in many choral groups, and played the euphonium, trombone and tuba in several local bands and ensembles. Her compassionate nature and musical talents led her to initiate and nurture The Evergreen Threshold Singers. Sue also enjoyed reading and the creativity of writing, poetry, photography, was an enthusiastic supporter of women's sports, and found wonder in the natural world through hiking, road trips, travel adventures around the world, and simply watching water, sunsets and backyard birds.
Sue will be remembered for her teaching, mentorship, caring and compassion, humor, wit, spirituality, gratitude, playfulness, music, friendship, and for blowing bubbles for a life well lived.
A memorial celebration of life will be held Sunday, February 25th at 2pm at Richmond Beach Congregational Church-UCC (1512 NW 195th St., Shoreline).
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Music4Life, http://www.music4life.org/ or to Evergreen Health Foundation (Hospice) in her memory, https://www.evergreenhealthfoundation.com/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sue Bartels
Sponsored by The Family.
Ron Kennebeck
October 30, 2023
Sue was the Band Director at my small Iowa High School in the 1970s. She encouraged me to play trumpet and join the band. Learning became fun.
I felt like I belonged to something cool and she was part of the gang. I knew I wanted to keep playing.
Now I've spent my life playing music and have worked in the Music Education Business for almost 40 years. She truly shaped the direction of my life.
I think of her often. So many of us have been so fortunate to have been in her path for a short time.
Judie Dobner
March 27, 2018
Sue and I shared a desk together at home health oh so many years ago. We were jealous of each others socks. I always checked in with her when I saw her in the office right up until her retirement to share a few smiles and update what was going on in our lives. The world feels like an emptier place already!
Brook Madrone
March 1, 2018
I remember being in the chorus with Sue and Beth and how nice it was getting to know them. Sue was warm and friendly and fun to be around and I wish we lived closer together so we could have enjoyed getting to know each other even better. Love to Beth and Sue's family.
Sarah Gage
February 27, 2018
Sue lived in the basement apartment of my house when she first moved to Seattle. It was wonderful getting to know her and watching her bloom in her new location. I liked her so much, and I always enjoyed running in to her and Beth around town--though it didn't happen nearly enough. Beth, I have no words to say other than Shelley and I are so sorry for your loss.
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Doug Prindle
February 26, 2018
Sue was one of the first musicians I met after I graduated and she was always so warm and welcoming. I'll always have warm memories of playing in a tuba quartet, Tuba4s, with her, rehearsing in her backyard studio, performing at Molbaks. My condolences to Beth. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Sonja Lauber
February 25, 2018
So talented, inspiring and gracious. I'm glad you were in my life Sue. My heart goes out to Beth.
Barb Logan
February 25, 2018
I was fortunate and blessed when I was paired with Sue on the admission team at Evergreen Hospice.
Her positive attitude was infectious. She was respected by all who knew her. Her sensitivity and empathy toward patients and family members was deeply felt and appreciated. Sue will be sorely missed.
Debbie Kelly
February 24, 2018
What a wonderful woman and colleague. I have so many memories of Sue when I first knew her at Evergreen, both home health and hospice. I'll remember her kindnesses to me and my family during a very difficult time, her smile and wonderful sense of humor.
February 22, 2018
Please accept my condolences for your loss. Grief can be so hard, but the fond memories you cherish can comfort and sustain you during this time. 1 Peter 5:6,7
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