Susan Christine Valdez
January 15, 1953 - November 27, 2023
Obituary
Susan Christine Calderon Valdez
January 15, 1953 – November 27, 2023
Susan was born in Alameda, California to Arturo and Leona Calderon. The family moved to Seattle, Washington when Susan was 5 years old where she lived the remainder of her life.
Susan is survived by her loving husband Jose B Valdez Jr, her devoted son Jose C Valdez and his spouse Magui Herrera-Valdez. She is also survived by her sisters, Sharen Ogilvie, Dorina McHenry, Pamela Campbell and her brothers Arturo Calderon Jr and Donald Calderon plus many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Kenneth Calderon.
Susan attended Immaculate Grade School and High School and continued her education at Seattle University where she graduated with a BA in Political Science. She was involved in both the Hawaiian and Filipino Clubs where she met her husband, Jose of 47 years.
She was a Director at Denise Louie Early Childhood Education where she was a champion of Early Childhood Education and retired in 2018.
Susan was very creative and had many talents in baking, cooking, sewing, playing puzzles and did many types of crafts. Many of her craft items were donation to the Boys and Girls Club, Kennedy High School and various Catholic elementary school auctions.
Susan spent many years in the Filipino Youth Activities drill team where she held the highest ranking team leader position of Sultana. She also represented the Filipino Community as a Seafair Princess.
Although Susan accomplished so many things in her life, what was important to her was family. She was dedicated to her son Jose Christopher who was the light of her life and she adored her daughter-in-law, Magui. Susan doted on her nieces and nephews and their children, always spoiling them and making them feel special. She was always the first person to offer assistance and she always went above and beyond what she said she would do. She was the person that everyone could count on always.
She loved her extended family in Phoenix, Arizona; Angel, Valeria, Hidalia, Emily, Carmen, Francisco II and Baby Francisco III.
Susan will be greatly missed by all.
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- ClearLens Upscale
Rest In Peace Susan…you will be dearly missed!😘💔
Such a kindhearted woman. Sending so much love to all her family and friends who loved her so much and are grieving. May you feel God’s loving arms hold you through this time and give you peace.
Auntie Susan,
Thank you for all the love you gave to me from the beginning of my life until the day you were called Home. I truly felt it every time I was in your presence and I know everyone else can say the same. I will miss you greatly but will treasure all the memories I have. Like, taking me to breakfast at the mall when I was a child and I would only eat eggs with ketchup, watching you work at Perino’s, watching The Muppet Show with you, taking me to the pumpkin patch, making my awesome Halloween costumes every year, getting your box of home-baked Christmas cookies then your Christmas goodie bags. You have given me a lifetime of memories that I will cherish.
May the Lord hold you in the palms of His hands and shine perpetual light upon you.
Love,
Your Nephew Brian.
Susan,
It’s hard for me to comprehend that you are no longer here. But when I reach for my phone to text or call you, the realization that I can’t hits me. Not being able to contact you brings up how much I depended on you- more than I ever realized.
To say I miss you is an understatement compared to how much I think about you.
I wish we had more time, to be able to talk again- I’m not sure what I would say, but it would be a lot! I know I would say you were such a good and nice sister. I would say I miss you and I would say thank you- thank you for so many things that you did for me, taught me and thank you for always being there for me.
You were always providing me ways to earn money in grade school and high school by babysitting JC, cleaning your place and hiring me as a waitress and then backing me up when I was horrible at it!
Your attempt at teaching me to experience and appreciate different food and culture by taking me to fine dining restaurants.
You got me my first new sewing machine with your employee discount and I learned so many sewing tricks from you. You are the only person I’ve ever admitted was better at sewing than I am. 😊
You helped mom and I make my wedding dress and then helped me redo my dress so Ali could wear it at her wedding.
I will miss not being able to call you and ask you all of the “how do I do” questions that I have for the various cooking, sewing and craft projects that I would call you about. You were always so patient and humorous with your explanations so I never felt too stupid, instead you made me feel that I could accomplish whatever it was I was trying to do.
You were the only person able to get me up and be ready to go to Joann Fabrics and Michaels at 5am for Black Friday sales even if you did it by bribing me with Starbucks.
I’m going to miss your lumpia and noodles, the box of Christmas cookies, the chocolate decadence cake and the goodie bags with the Hawaiian cookies and Ass-Kicking peanuts!
I’m still not ready to say goodbye, but I will say thank you for being the best sister all of us could have had. I will always miss you and no one can take your place in my life or in my heart.
Love you,
Pam
In loving memory of Susan,
Susan had an unparalleled ability to make everyone around her feel seen and valued, reminding us of the beauty of human connection. One memory that stands out in our minds is at the McHenry’s gathering during the holidays, Easter, Seahawks games, and many other times when Susan’s presence turned an ordinary evening into an unforgettable experience.
In her personal life, Susan was a devoted sister, a loyal aunt, and a caring friend to so many. Her love for her family was boundless, and her loyalty to the people around her was unwavering. She had a remarkable ability to offer solace and guidance during times of difficulty, a quality that endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As we mourn the unexpected loss of Susan, we also celebrate the beautiful life she led and the countless hearts she touched. Her memory will live on in the stories we share, the acts of kindness in her honor, and the love we continue to nurture in our own lives. She may be physically absent, but her spirit remains with her entire family and friends, a beacon of light guiding us toward a better, kinder world.
Susan’s departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy of love and compassion will endure forever. Let us remember her not with tears of sorrow, but with smiles of gratitude for sharing our lives with such an extraordinary soul.
Rest in eternal peace, dear Susan, knowing that your memory will forever be cherished and your kindness celebrated. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.