Susan J. Peterson

It's been a year, and I miss you more than ever, Sue. The world is not the same place without you, and that's an understatement. I am relieved you don't have to experience this current craziness. You'd have some choice words, I am sure! I miss our rambling phone conversations and hearing your unique and humorous take on things. Love you, Susie!

A very special woman and caring individual. Our connection was through the Bellingham Festival of Music where Sue and Dave did it all - volunteer, donor, champion, music lovers. Our sincere condolences to Dave and the family.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving God promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13) May loving memories also sustain your family during this difficult time. Ann Smith

Dave. We were so sorry to hear of Sues passing. She was a favorite of ours and a class lady. Sending you good thoughts thru this tough time. Please take care of yourself. We think of you often. Jake and Becky.

I wanted to share with you that my mom, my advocate, my soul fractal, my dearest friend, left her body and crossed over peacefully in her sleep, last Saturday, around noon. I was at home here in Seattle, and had just spent several days up in Bellingham, with her, as she had been hospitalized the previous Monday. Her bi-cuspid valve in her heart had been damaged in early childhood due to Scarlett Fever. She never got it fixed , she never really felt she needed to, she felt fine. Suddenly in November, she could not go up the stairs inside the house without being totally out of breath. She was soon on oxygen 24/7. Dad totally doted on her, cooking, picking up, hauling her to various appointments. He gained a huge new respect for her abilities to juggle all the affairs of the house, with her important work over the years with Planned Parenthood and the Bellingham Music Festival, and Whatcom Art Museum.
Mom and I were able to express our gratitude and deepest love for each other. It really has
been like a piece of myself has gone into hiding. She had two great last days, seeing relatives, hanging out with dad and me. She went off all meds on Wednesday, was placed in Hospice on Saturday morning, where dad and mom, had a peaceful morning, talking normally. She fell asleep around 11 am, and left in her sleep, in total control of her situation, just past noon. Her beauty and dignity shone forth to the very, last breath. I was also asleep at that time having been up all night in a kind of personal vigil, fell asleep and woke with a feeling of total release and a lifting of heaviness around 12 15 pm. I knew the moment it happened. Dads text message to call him was in no way a surprise, but rather, expected. I am grateful her mind was intact, that she was not suffering from disease or in any pain, ever during the 6 months of her gradual shutting down. She was ready, and she went. Her valve simply became too weak to pump correctly, and her heart just stopped. It was sad, only because 79 meant an average life span for my mom, who was never average in any other way! Too soon for my taste, 10 more great years was all of our hopes and frankly what we expected. I am grateful for being her son and more than that, her friend. She was a fierce warrior of the light, even if she might not have seen herself this way, I knew what a huge and important being mom was/is in the cosmic plan. All the relatives, kids, family and friends I, on whom mom placed her intense point of attention, to a person, had a more fulfilled life, with learning and opportunities that changed them forever. I will miss her terribly .

Susan Jane Peterson
March 12, 1940-May, 18th, 2019
My mom, my friend, my teacher, and now an immortal being, infinitely loving, surrounding us all. Please keep her memory in your heart if you knew her, and feel her love and fierce intellect within the Field of Consciousness, if you did not meet her in this lifetime!

I was very sorry to hear this. Sue was a wonderful, kind person. The world needs more people like her.

Hutzpah Sue had hutzpah. Sue had grace and kindness. I am thankful for having the opportunity to know Sue through the many years at the Whatcom Museum. Sue (and so many other docents we have already lost) were the heart and soul of Bellingham in the days of Heartworks and all the other wonderful events. Laughter, smiles, class, and tell it like it is that was Sue. I can still hear her laugh. So many wonderful memories that were created because of Sue. Thank you Sue for the trinkets from NYC, hand-me-down dresses, and for just being Sue.

What a wonderful cousin I will miss her

Sue left a mark on our community and will certainly be missed. I'm the better for knowing her. I send my condolences to her family and friends.

My beautiful sister. Since I was old enough to remember anything, I thought you were dazzling, a bright spirit. So smart and funny, you made us laugh until we cried. You taught me how not to walk pigeon-toed. I remember listening with you to the Sound of Music album, only the Broadway version with Mary Martin. To me, you were Maria Von Trapp and Mary Poppins, combined. A magical person. You will always be magical to me, Susie. I love you, and I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.