Susan Thom Obituary

Susan Kathleen Thom (Sue), 77, passed peacefully on October 6, 2025, surrounded by family at her home in Sequim.

Sue was born to Robert and Grace Wray in Long Beach, California, on May 11, 1948. She was the middle child of three, and maintained lifelong close relationships with her sisters Sheri and Barbara.

Sue studied Teaching and Home Economics at Cal State Long Beach. She met the love of her life, Ronald Thom (Ron), in Chemistry class in 1966. Sue graduated in 1971 and began her career as a substitute teacher.

Sue and Ron were married on July 10, 1971, in Long Beach. In 1974, they moved to Washington and purchased their first home in Seattle. Six years later, they built a home on Bainbridge Island. Sue commuted daily by ferry to her job at the Better Business Bureau in Seattle, where she served as Vice President of Operations.

In 1981, Sue and Ron had their first child, Andrew (Andy). After the birth of their son Jonathan in 1990, Sue chose to become a full time homemaker and devoted herself to raising her sons. It was around this time that the family moved to Sequim, which Sue would make her home for the rest of her life.

Raised in the Episcopal Church, Sue later converted and was confirmed Catholic. She was an active member of the Church, teaching elementary religious education classes through the early 2000s. Sue also participated in religious study groups.

Among her many hobbies, taking care of her beloved dogs was Sue's favorite. Sue fell in love with the Entlebucher Mountain Dog breed, raising several and becoming deeply involved with the National Entlebucher Mountain Dog Association. Sue also volunteered for many years at the local elementary school. She was an avid photographer, amassing thousands of meticulously edited pictures, mostly of the natural world. Sue traveled frequently, especially enjoying her trips to Hawaii and Europe. At home she kept an impressive and bountiful garden, and was an accomplished cook, passing down many recipes to her children.

Sue was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and achieved remission after treatment. In 2025, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, which she faced with strength and grace until her passing.

She is survived by her husband, Ron; her sons, Andrew (Sara) and Jonathan (Laura); and two grandchildren, Harlan, 4, and Imogene, 3. Her grandchildren were perhaps her greatest joy.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Sue on November 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sequim. A reception will follow at 1 p.m. at the Guy Cole Event Center at Carrie Blake Park.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.