Suzannah M. Estrella

Suzannah M. Estrella passed away peacefully in Hospice Care at the age of 73 in Bellingham, WA on January 10, 2025.
Suzannah was born in Trenton, NJ November 10, 1951, to Harry B. Rich and Claire R. Rich. Suzannah, known as Suz or Sam, was a force of nature in her many roles in local, county, and federal government. From civil rights to women's rights and her work at the EEOC, she fought the good fight, the hard fight. She stepped up for her sisterhood, and for so many of us. She always found a way to use her expertise in government to assist family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. She was not to be messed with when on the path of a righteous fight! Her artistic talents and design sense were legendary. Suzannah loved living near the water (Puget Sound, lakes, rivers) and loved dogs. At the end of her life, her dogs were able to visit her thanks to the amazing staff at Whatcom Hospice House-a gift to her and her family.
Suzannah was preceded in death by her father, Harry B. Rich, and mother, Claire R. Rich. The oldest of seven children, Suzannah grew up between Montlake and Capitol Hill, graduating from St. Joseph's and Holy Names Academy. She often choreographed her younger siblings in MOTOWN dance routines and songs, sharing her love of music. She is survived by siblings John L. Rich; Jennifer Kropack (Marc Kropack); Lauren Rich; Christina Rich; Harry B. Rich, Jr.-Richie and Kenneth Rich (Brian Zito); niece Lindsay Rich; nephew Ryan Rich; and grandnephew Joel.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the above mentioned Whatcom Hospice House at https://whatcomhospice.org/ or to Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation (WAIF) at https://waifanimals.org/ are appreciated.
A private memorial for family and friends will be held in the following months.