Susan Casabona

SUSAN RICHARDS CASABONA 1953-2025
Susan Casabona passed away on August 16, 2025 in the arms of her husband of 31 years, Philip Sherburne, at their beloved home on Decatur Island, Washington. She was diagnosed with ALS and short term memory loss dementia in 2021 and died from complications of COVID.
Susan was born on September 1, 1953 in Norfolk Virginia of Albert and Nancy Casabona, the eldest of four children. She grew up in Annandale, Va, attended Jeferson High School, Mount Holyoke College, and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. Susan was one quarter Italian and was proud of her heritage visiting family in Italy. Prior to coming to Seattle Susan did internships and her Residency at Oregon Health Sciences in Portland.
Almost all of Susan's medical career was as an Internal Medicine physician at the Minor and James Medical partnership. She was part of a small group of women breaking down barriers in a field long-dominated by men. Susan, always courageous, successfully led the effort to instate equal pay for women and maternity leave with pay. Susan was loved by her patients and respected by her colleagues for her intelligence, optimism and compassionate care. She was one of the earliest physicians to treat AIDS patients and to visit them in their homes.
When she retired from medical practice she devoted herself to becoming a serious competitive tennis player. She brought to tennis the same commitment, determination and flair she expressed in all other aspects of her life, playing on several teams that won regional and national competitions.
She loved her daughters, Leslie and Sara, her husband Phil, her extended family, and a wide circle of friends with whom she stayed closely connected throughout her life. She loved travel, movies, entertaining, skiing, and reading. She loved good food and wine, spending the winters in Palm Desert, CA and of course, playing tennis. She particularly enjoyed being part of the loving Decatur Northwest community on Decatur Island in the San Juan Islands, where she and her family frequently spent time during the last 32 years of her life
Susan's optimism and radiant smile spread joy wherever she went. When she received the cruel diagnoses she vowed to live fully one day at a time, and she did just that right up to the end of her life, inspiring her doctors, family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
Susan is survived by her husband, Philip Sherburne, daughters Leslie Roberson and Sara Sherburne, sisters Eliabeth Cronauer and Helen Casabona, brother Charles Casabona and stepmother Pat Casabona. Susan was predeceased by her mother Nancy Casabona and father Albert Casabona. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Susan, please visit our Tree Store.