Susan Gail Toyoji

Susie passed away on April 8, 2023 at her home in Bothell, Washington. Susie was born to Tomo and Fumiko Saito on February 23, 1950 in Portland, Oregon. She grew up with her three brothers (Rick, Kenny, and Bobby) and three sisters (Sharon, Carol, and Cathy). Her Uncle Emo, Auntie May, and their children (Patty, Ron, and Yuki) and her Auntie Mori, Uncle Benny, and cousin (Judy) lived close by. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon before pursuing her teaching degree at Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University) in Monmouth, Oregon. After graduating in 1971, she immediately began teaching. Susie impacted numerous lives as she enjoyed a 35-year long career in education, a majority of which was spent with the Lake Washington School District (Ben Franklin Elementary and Audubon Elementary).

She met her husband, Kenny Toyoji, in 1971 and they got married on August 18, 1973 at the Oregon Buddhist Church before moving to Washington. Their nearly 50-year marriage was full of triumphs, laughs, and love. They raised three children, Kurt, Lisa, and Steven while living in Redmond, Washington. Susie cherished the time spent with her six grandchildren (Parker, Jordan, Kameron, Mira, Tatum, and Ethan) whether it was attending their sporting events or coloring at the dining table. After her retirement, she enjoyed volunteering, tutoring, quilting, and rooting for her Seahawks. Above all else, Susie loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed going to plays and gambling at the casino with Kenny. Family trips to Seaside, Black Butte, Las Vegas, and Hawaii were a constant highlight.

Susie had an infectious smile radiating from her selfless and genuine desire for those around her to be happy. A devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, she supported her loved ones unconditionally. While she will be missed by many, the bonds among family and friends united by her warmth will live on for generations.