Amy J Sudbeck

Amy Joyce Sudbeck, a dedicated teacher remembered for her kind heart, sense of humor, and loyal devotion to family and friends, died unexpectedly from natural causes on January 3, 2024, at age 57. She was born July 22, 1966 in Omaha, Nebraska, the youngest of four children, to Marilyn and Francis Sudbeck. Her parents were both educators. After several moves, the family landed in Oakland, Oregon. Amy graduated from Oakland High School where she played volleyball, and was a standout player on the girls’ basketball team. Amy graduated from California State University, San Bernardino and attended graduate school at University of California, Irvine.

“Ms. Sudbeck” was a first and second grade teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School in Bremerton, Washington and was employed by the Central Kitsap School District for 29 years. Known for her exceptional ability to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for her students, she was recognized as an Outstanding Educator by the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

Following in the footsteps of her seamstress mother, Amy took up knitting in midlife and it quickly became her passion. She enjoyed browsing yarn stores, collecting beautiful skeins, and creating gifts for others. Amy was a world traveler and had almost made it to all the continents. She frequented Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and had been to Europe several times. She had a very memorable humanitarian trip to Malawi. Various family members accompanied her on many of her travel adventures.

Amy was beloved and will be greatly missed by her brother Charles “Chip” Sudbeck, his wife Laura Minato; nephew Michael Henderson and his wife Jennie; nephew Brian Henderson and his wife Julie Penzer, along with nieces Lili and Elina Minato, and great nephews Aaron and Caleb Henderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her best friend and former teaching partner, Annette Allen. Amy remained close to Annette’s parents and siblings: Pamela and Curtis Allen, Stephanie Nomellini, Suzanne Allen, Angela Janicki, and Paul Allen.

A recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m., will be held April 5, 2024 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Bremerton, Wash. A reception will follow.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Francis J. and Marilyn J. Sudbeck Scholarship which is for students studying education. Send checks to the Wayne State Foundation, 1111 Main St. Wayne, NE 68787, or a general donation may be made online at https://www.wsc.edu/donate. Please write "Sudbeck Scholarship" in the comment section.