Susan Wendel Black

Susan "Suzie" Black passed away Oct. 9, 2023, at age 91, in her home at The Springs Living. She passed peacefully with her five daughters by her side.

Born Susan Elise to Harold and Elise Wendel of Portland, Ore., Susan was the youngest of three children. She was predeceased by her husband Larry and her two brothers Jim and Tom Wendel. She attended Ainsworth Elementary School, Catlin Gabel School for Girls, and Mills College.Suzie was an English major in college who loved literature and poetry. She was an avid reader and loved to play the piano. She spent her childhood summers at Seaside beach where she rode horses and spent time with her family.

It was in Seaside where Suzie met her future husband, Larry. Suzie and Larry fell madly in love and after a quick engagement were married in 1954 at Suzie's Portland home. The couple moved to New York where Suzie gave birth to their first two daughters, Jennifer, and Patty. In 1957, they moved back to Portland for Larry's business and to build a family. They had three more daughters, Katie, Sally and Diana.

Suzie and Larry moved to Lake Oswego in 1963 where they purchased a farm and fittingly named it "Dohterdale Farm." The farm turned out to be Suzie's most beloved sanctuary, a place she treasured and held close to her heart for the rest of her life. She raised all of her daughters there, teaching them to ride horses, play tennis and tend to the garden. She taught the girls to appreciate the outdoors and led by example working diligently to make the farm a better place to live. Suzie and Larry were a very active couple. They played tennis, snow skied, rode horses, fished and traveled together. They had a rich social life, hosting many parties and seven weddings at their home. They fostered a zest for life in all their girls, as well as a sense of community responsibility. They were strong believers in giving back. Suzie volunteered on different boards and organizations, such as, the Christie School for Girls, Junior League of Portland, The Garden Club of Portland and OSHU Research Foundation to name a few. She was a co- founder of the Children's Charity Ball, supporting youth in the community, a cause that was near and dear to her heart.

Suzie will be missed by many. She is survived by her five daughters, Jennifer Black (Steve Hanns), Patty Boday (David Estes), Katie Willoughby (Jay), Sally Douglas (Jake) and Diana Harrell. She also has nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

There will not be a public service. Donations may be made in her name to the Humane Society of Oregon. Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits