A Seattle native, Susie was born on October 22, 1941 to John Bruce Connelly and Evelyn Pearl Turner. Susie attended McGilvra Elementary School and during that time her mother passed away when Susie was just ten. Two years later, Susie and her sister, Sharon, were blessed with a new mother, Illis, brothers, Peter and Ed, and sister, Illis (Bip) Ferry. The youngest four kids were widely known for their shenanigans.
Susie graduated from The Bush School in 1959 and followed sister Bip to Colorado College where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta and majored in English and Textile Design. She married her first husband and they were stationed in Germany where they welcomed their daughter, Kristy. Two years later they settled in Bellevue and the family welcomed Karen to the fold.
Susie later settled in Madison Park with her girls and second husband. Susie enjoyed playing tennis and being involved in the Junior League of Seattle. She was the State Coordinator and Cofounder of the Washington State Woman’s’ Political Caucus and worked tirelessly for the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). She utilized her textiles minor and began a twenty-year career in interior design as a Contract Specialist in carpeting for such companies as Hamilton Carpet Company, James Goldman & Associates, Collins & Aikman Corporation, Lotus Carpet Company and Shaw Industries. She received many awards and accolades throughout her career.
Susie married Christopher Collins in 1995 and loved being stepmother to Cynthia and Andrew. The family enjoyed weekends at Cultus Bay on Whidbey Island, cooking duck dinners, and riding in the Oat Burner, Chris’ Ford Mustang.
Her family and friends will miss Susie’s sense of humor and mischief, her laugh and kindness. Her daughters would especially like to thank Bellevue Senior Care for their loving care of Susie over the past year.
Susie was preceded in death by her parents, brother Peter, and beloved husband Chris. She is survived by her sisters: Illis Burke (Daryl), Sharon Sheppard (Rick), her brother Ed Ferry (Brenda), daughters: Kristy Stirling (John), Karen Newhouse (Mike) and Stepdaughter Cynthia Desai (Jay) of Texas, and also her cherished grandchildren: Reilly, Erin, Jesse, Jack, Emma, Connelly, Casey, William, and Nicholas and many nieces and nephews.
The family held a private burial service and will plan a celebration of Susie’s life as soon as the pandemic allows.
Donations in her memory may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
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