Sue Carney Way

Sue (Carney) Way, a cherished member of the Salinas community, peacefully passed away in the comfort of her home on October 29 at the age of 87. Sue adored her friends and family, many of whom remained by her side in the weeks leading up to her passing. With her infectious humor, Sue had a talent for bringing joy to those around her. She possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Born "Leilani" Sue Carney in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 29, 1936, to James Robert Carney and Jane McVey Carney, Sue carried her love for the islands with her throughout her life. Even at the age of 87, she could dance the entire Hukilau. Following the tragic events of the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941, Sue, along with her brother Kimo and their mother Jane, relocated to Piedmont, California, where she made many lifelong friends. Sue attended Piedmont High School, graduating in 1954, and continued her education at the University of Arizona.
Sue worked for Standard Oil in San Francisco, where she met law student Donald Way. The couple was married on December 20, 1958, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Oakland. In 1961, Sue and Don welcomed their first son, Charles, into the world, and shortly thereafter, Don accepted a role as the city attorney for Salinas. Eager to establish new connections and become an active member of her community, Sue joined the Junior League, Entre Nous, and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. In 1965, Sue and Don celebrated the arrival of their second son, Michael. Tragically, just three years later, Don passed away, leaving Sue to raise their sons with the invaluable support of their community and friends.
To support her family, Sue worked at The Ladies' Shop in Salinas and then went on to work at Saks Fifth Avenue in Carmel. She styled women in the community for over 30 years, and even after retiring, she was always a reliable source for style advice.
Sue's life was defined by her boundless capacity to serve others, as evidenced by her remarkable 60 years of volunteer service to St. Paul's and Entre Nous. She could also be found each week at the Methodist Church serving food to those in need. Sue liked to be busy and enjoyed activities such as playing bridge, traveling, and working on needlepoint projects, always in the company of her friends.
To the Salinas community, Sue was a familiar face in the "walking group," who could be seen every morning making their daily procession from West Alisal Street down South Main, past the high school to the Bagel Corner.
Sue epitomized selflessness, generosity, and boundless love as a friend, mother, wife, and "Yaya" to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but will forever reside in our hearts. In addition to her husband, Don, Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Jane. She is survived by her brother, Kimo James Carney, and his wife Norma of Saratoga; her sons, Charlie and his wife Suzie, Mike and his wife Ellen; and her beloved grandchildren, Zach, Julia, and Elizabeth.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 25, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul's San Pablo Episcopal Church located at 1071 Pajaro St, followed by a reception at Corral de Tierra Country Club located at 81 Corral de Tierra Road. All friends and family are warmly invited to join.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the St Paul's San Pablo's Homeless Fund in Sue's memory