Susan Rainey

To friends and colleagues of Dr. Rainey, so sorry for your loss.
I only met her one time up in her office where I conducted a video interview for Charles Gray's bands. She was a very good interview subject with many kind words for Mr. Gray's 1st video yearbook for The Kingsmen at King HS.
I know she will be missed.

Dear Sue,
I miss you. I miss your humor, your beauty, your integrity, your intelligence, your compassion, your patience, your encouragement, your strength, your trust, your gorgeous blue eyes, your smile and the way you lifted people up to be their best self. Your love of Education, Educators, Students, Staff, Animals, Family, Sunsets and John is remarkable. I was so proud when you became our Superintendent. The glass ceiling of the 3rd floor cracked when you stepped in. You are an inspiration to women everywhere, an example of true leadership and class. Your legacy is a critical part of our future. I miss your calls out of the blue. I miss your boldness. I miss your sarcasm. I miss you. My world has changed and there´s another crack in my heart. I love you

So many things to say in memory of Sue Rainey! All of mine are positive and yet not passive - knowing her in a work context was to see her at in her natural state, or so I think. She was a natural leader and she shone in that role. When I would be in a meeting or chatting after, I enjoyed the back and forth, the banter, two 'strong women' (or so I've been told!) and I know Sue relished that. I miss her and know that her loss from the Riverside community is significant. She was of course so much more than an educational leader. For that I extend deepest sympathies to her family and to her husband, John Collins. I wish you all things in your own time: comfort, tears, strength, calm, peace. With warmest regards from Kristin. Kristin Tillquist

SUU married my cousin Jack and we instantly loved her she was so kind the year I graduated with my teaching certificate was a year when no one was hiring they had had golden handshakes before SUU helped me to get a wonderful job at Ramona elementary in Hemet unified school district she pointed out to me that there was an opening in the computer lab and it was perfect for me being a single parent. She was always so kind to my daughters and myself we love and miss her and condolences to Lisa Suzanne David and especially Jordan love you guys I´m sure that Grossi and Jack have her wrapped in their arms welcoming her home.

When Sue arrived on Lopez Island each summer we knew the 4th of July was just around the corner. Sue and Stephene (and various friends and family) rarely missed a 4th of July celebration on Lopez. They came for the day of events starting with the hometown parade and ending with the spectacular fireworks over Fishermans Bay. We had many fun years with Sue and will miss her spunk. Our love to John, Jordan, Steph and all the family.

Jordan,
I am so very sorry for you & your family. Your Mom was extraordinary!! Hugs

My world has shifted without you

Sue was a wonderful friend of Charlie Field and me. Sue and Charlie worked together for many years beginning when she worked for the school district in Hemet. I met her in 1983. We were friends when her son Jordan was born and we were having our first grandchild. We were able to visit with Sue and Jack in Montana,

Our friendship continued through the years. Charlie supported Sue as she moved up to increasingly more significant positions in education. Charlie worked with schools and was able to encourage Sue in her pursuit furthering her career.

As important as these things were to their relationship, the fun and warmth we shared with Sue is what I will remember, and how happy we were that John was part of her life.

Sue will be missed by all of us.

So sorry to hear of Sue's passing. An advocate for education, she will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to the Rainey and Collins families