Suzanne G. Fortune

Nov. 15 1948 – Sept. 17 2016

Suzy’s remarkable life was cut short on September 17th after a yearlong battle with ALS, during which she displayed the grace, strength and courage she brought to all endeavors. She had a multi-faceted career in service of her country and was a pioneer in nearly everything she did.

Born to a U.S. Navy family, Suzy’s travels as a child nurtured her fascination for the world and set the stage for a career of extensive travels that took her to places few have heard of. After college (BA UOP), she joined the Red Cross to support our troops in Viet Nam where she formed life-long friendships.

Suzy was accepted to Stanford and Berkeley law schools but chose to follow in the footsteps of her beloved father by serving our country. She attended USAF Officer Training School in 1973 (and also later received an MA from Berkeley.) Despite her petite stature, she earned respect with her intelligence, professionalism, and sense of humor—warm at times, sharp when necessary.

She had a distinguished 24-year career as an Air Force officer, retiring as a full Colonel in 1997. Primarily a Logistician, she served as a Group Commander, Operations Commander, and Squadron Commander. She served a tour as a Political Science Instructor at the Air Force Academy, and had worldwide duty stations that included Turkey, Hawaii, and Germany. Her final tour of duty was in the US European Command (USEUCOM) where she was responsible for logistics, transportation, and humanitarian aid during the Bosnian conflict and the Rwandan genocide relief mission.

After retirement, Suzy worked for the Center for Civil-Military Relations at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, conducting global initiatives to strengthen ties between civilian populations and a country’s military. She also served as an NPS instructor in graduate level Comparative Politics and, more recently, as Executive Director of the NPS Foundation.

A beautiful and athletic woman, Suzy was always active. She had a life-long passion for horseback riding, was an avid swimmer, and loved flying, sailing and paddle-boarding. She developed a passion for tennis where she enjoyed the camaraderie and competition.

Her disease was particularly cruel for such an active person, but it brought out an enormous outpouring of love and appreciation from friends and family.

Suzanne is predeceased by her parents, Captain Robert F. & Phlabia Shoemaker (USN), and is survived by her husband Mike, her brothers Fred and Pete Shoemaker and sisters-in-law Jo Hardy and Gail Shoemaker, and nephews Steve and Scott Shoemaker. While she had no children, she cherished Mike’s children as her own: Elizabeth Fortune Handy (husband Jon), Tara Avery (husband Mike), and Kaitlin Fortune, and grandchildren Cynthia Davis, Alexander and John Handy, Christopher and Jennifer Avery. And of course, her beloved dog, Jet, who was a big part of her life.

A celebration of Suzy’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:

The ALS Association

www.alsa.org

1275 K Street NW, Suite 250

Washington, DC 20005

Warrior Canine Connection

http://warriorcanineconnection.org

14934 Schaeffer Road

Boyds, MD 20841

The family would like to thank Dr. Mary Roberts, the Veteran’s Administration, and Hospice for their compassion, care and concern during Suzy’s final months.

Suzy was special, and her passing leaves a large hole in our hearts. We’re grateful for our time with her, and will forever miss her.

Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.