Susan Summers Torrance

Susan Summers Torrance

1948 ~ 2012

Susan Summers Torrance, age 64, died peacefully in her home in Seattle on the morning of August 26th. She was surrounded by family, friends and flowers from her garden. Susan touched many as a mentor, mother, wife, and friend. She will be remembered for her beauty, kindness, acceptance, modesty, art and her garden to table genius.

Susan was born on April 26, 1948 in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1966, and studied at Washington State University. With a variety of talents and interests, Susan prospered in many fields. As a flight attendant, she traveled the world and cultivated a special love for Hawaii. Endowed with a discerning palate, Susan spent many years in the wine industry. She also had an interest in herbology and was a member of the Seattle Herbalist Guild.

An extraordinarily talented painter and a master of color, Susan devoted a great deal of time to her art. In 2003, she became involved with Seattle's Gage Academy of Art, serving on the Academy's Board of Trustees. Committed to developing creativity and problem-solving skills in children, Susan created the EarthART Project, an elementary school visual art program combining art and science that continues to thrive in the Shoreline School District. She was also a supporter of the Teen Art Studios at Gage.

Susan's style and taste were not limited to the visual arts. She was also an accomplished agriculturist; she presided over extensive vegetable and flower gardens, and shared her passion with fellow members of the Seattle Garden Club. Susan was an unbelievably creative cook, and will be remembered not just for the magical culinary creations she so often produced, but also for the graceful and welcoming way she shared them with others.

Susan is survived by her husband Mark, her son Billy Summers, her sister Catherine Schulz and her three brothers Charles Schulz, Jim Schulz and Richard Schulz. She was preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Schulz. She will be deeply missed by her step-children Allie Torrance Okner, Rosemary Torrance and Tom Torrance, her grandson Triston Tyler-Summers, her nieces Marina Schulz and Kelli Bolster, her nephew Ian Schulz, and so many others.

At Susan's request, her ashes will be scattered among the volcanoes of Hawaii. A celebration of her life will be held in the Seattle area later in the year.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Gage Academy Teen Arts Studios or Seattle Art Museum Teen Programs. Please mail checks for these programs to our family office c/o Toba Group, 14419 Greenwood Ave N., Suite A PMB 361, Seattle, WA 98133. (206) 441-4745 info@tobagroup.com.