Susan Rae Rulifson

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University of Washington

Susan Rulifson Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Susan Rae Rulifson
Start: 2017-02-18T22:00:00.000Z
Location: Day Break Star in Discovery Park

Susan Rae Rulifson

Susan Rae Rulifson (Fraser), age 82 of Bainbridge Island, passed away on Jan. 14, at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. She was raised in Seattle with her sisters Lee Mullin and Ann Weber by her parents Emery and Evelyn Fraser. Sue was a born adventurer, passionate history buff, loving rebel, avid political scientist, talented community builder, and exceptional friend. If you were a friend or family member, you knew in your bones she loved and cherished you. Sue accepted people for who they were. She approached life with joy and faith in her community, and an uncanny ability to find humor in any situation. A graduate of the Helen Bush School, Susan obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington. She spent her work life teaching junior high school History and English in both Bellevue and Poulsbo school districts. She volunteered her time generously, from Junior League and United Way to Poulsbo PTA and local women's initiatives. She was a fantastic parent to Liane and Eric Rulifson, who believe she was the best person they have ever known. She was a loving Aunt who had special relationships with her nieces and nephews: Karen Brown, Sheila Wimberly, Susie Wyman, Barb Foley, Steve Mullin, John Mullin and Anne Thomas. She is survived by her kids Eric Rulifson and Liane Rulifson (husband Greg Smiley, daughter Quinn Smiley, and son Campbell Smiley) and her sister Lee Mullin (husband Shan Mullin). A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 18 at 2 p.m. at Day Break Star in Discovery Park, 5011 Bernie Whitebear Way, Seattle.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Rulifson

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5 Entries

Ashley Northup

February 13, 2017

Hi Lianne and Eric,

I only had the privilege of knowing your mom for a short while. I started teaching yoga at Ida Culver this fall and she was my first regular. I looked forward to seeing her on Saturdays and having a chat. She made me laugh and was a great member of our yoga crew. The last time I saw her was Christmas Eve. She told me that she'd have to be careful during our practice because she'd had her hair done for dinner at Daniel's. I remember how excited she was for that dinner out and for her Martini! I hope it was a great Christmas Eve. I miss seeing her on Saturdays but am thankful that I got to know her for a short time. She was pretty terrific. Best to you and your whole family.

February 11, 2017

Dear Lianne and Eric- wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Your mom was such an incredible woman! Over the years I cut her hair, read and discussed spiritual books, energy work and meditated with her. We shared political thoughts and mothering wisdom. She was truly a treasure! The world is a better place for her contributions on this planet.
I believe she is soaring with the Angels, smiling at the incredible freedom and love that awaits us all.
peace and love to you both-

Jennifer Wiegand
Poulsbo

Nicci Fritchman

February 5, 2017

Dearest Liane and Eric,

I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was truly the most special friend I've ever had. Teddy and I considered her family. Over the years, we participated in each other's lives with passionate joy and sweet reverie.

Through her, I learned a cornucopias amount about the world of culture and politics and history and spirit and health and community and well, you name it!

I am forever changed because of her indomitable appetite for justice, knowledge, and wisdom. I am forever grateful for her friendship. Sometimes we just get lucky in life and God delivers to us an angel to guide our weary spirits. Your mom was my angel.

We drummed and earthstewarded and watercized and sushied and prayed and kibitzed and coffeed and laughed until the cows came home!

Even now, after such a long time of being away from each other, I look up from my seat in the mornings at the bakery and expect to see her drive up, radio blasting, head hanging out of the window, seats filled with books and tapes and recipes and receipts and swimming attire and magazine articles, screaming:

"Nicci!...aaaggghhhhh!!!!"

I could always count on a minute-by-minute update of the day's political, social, economic, and spiritual issues along with an assessment of how they were impacting us locally, nationally, and globally.

We "ventured forth" quite often to fill up our well of knowledge and receive inspiration for further discussion. There never was a time when we didn't run into a former student. We'd be walking down some obscure avenue and sure enough, from behind we'd hear: "Hi, Mrs. Rulifson!"

No matter what their life circumstance, no matter how old they were, she would shake their hand, look at them straight in the eyes, and remind them of some accomplishment they had enjoyed in her classroom. I'll never forget the looks on their faces. I know, deep in my bones, that those brief encounters added such profound value to their fragile lives.

I could go on and on...

Blessings dear hearts. You and your entire family are in my prayers now and forever.

Love,
Nicci

BETTY MACRAE

February 5, 2017

I am missing EVERYTHING about Sue. She was one of my dearest friends and she had a GREAT and KNOWING outlook on LIFE and all it entailed. She was one of the VERY BEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER KNOWN!

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