Susanne Collette Harlan

Susanne Collette HARLAN 52, of Bellevue, died Thursday, January 13, 2011, surrounded by her family at Evergreen Hospice after a valiant five year battle with colon cancer. She was born to Robert Jay and Lor Ella Maxine Skipper, June, 8, 1958, in Ephrata, WA. She grew up in Palouse, WA where she enjoyed acting in high school and community theater and sharing her strong faith in Jesus Christ. Sue graduated from Palouse High School in 1976. She married Gary George Harlan December 30, 1976. They relocated to Bellevue, WA in 1978, where they raised their three daughters: Karissa Susanne, Kimberly Grace and Kathryn Noelle. Sue had her own home day care, where she enjoyed caring for many children. She received her Early Childhood Education certificate from Lake Washington Technical College. Sue was an active member at Grace Bible Church and the First Baptist Church of Lake Hills. Her universal love for children was seen in her service at church and volunteering at her daughters' schools. Sue was a fearless traveler, enjoying trips to Germany, Australia, England, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii. She found peace driving the open road all across the United States. Sue had a bountiful garden, full of herbs, fruits, and vegetables and had a heart for environmental conservation. She enjoyed the Evergreen State Fair where she entered her beautiful quilts. Sue took pride in her heritage and studied genealogy passionately. With her radiant and vibrant attitude towards life, she will be remembered for her infectious laughter, eagerness to help those in need and her meaningful relationships with friends and family. Sue is survived by her husband, Gary, her daughters: Kari (Daniel Knofel), Kim, and Katie (Daniel De los Palos), her mother, Maxine Skipper, and her siblings: Lexie Forbes, Angel Corrigan, Eric Skipper, and Robbey Clark, and an abundant circle of family and friends. A celebration of Sue Harlan's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday January 22, at Newport Covenant Church, 12800 SE Coal Creek Parkway Bellevue, WA 98006. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at HopePlace.org