Susan Lorraine Moreno, 68, of Everett, Wash., passed away quietly at home with loved ones at her side on Jan. 14, 2020 after a long-term medical illness.
Susan “Sue” was born July 18, 1951 to Lorraine and Stanley Moreno in San Jose, Calif., where she attended Abraham Lincoln High School in San Jose and gained college degrees as graphic designer and environmental science. In the late 80s, Sue moved from San Jose, to Whidbey Island, Wash., where she fell in love with the people of Whidbey and calmer/quieter living lifestyle along with making dedicated lifelong friends of Bill W. in January 1990.
In 1995, Sue met Shelly Cleator and, when it was legal, they married in March 2013. They enjoyed many vacations, including to Hawaii, Fiji, Mexico, Alaska, and local camping with their four-legged babies and friends.
Sue’s greatest love was for her family and the environment. Her spiritual inspiration was fed through the many wonderful Swinomish Tribal members who embraced her and allowed her to participate in the Spiritual Canoe Journeys — even though her snoring kept them awake at night.
For the 12 years that she was employed by the Swinomish Tribe, Sue helped in building gardens for the tribal elders, participated in Homeland Security, Suicide Prevention Teams and the Washington State Noxious Weed Board.
Sue loved sports and, along with Shelly, they were founding fans for the Seattle Storm. She insisted in wearing her select Seattle Storm and Seahawk outfits on game days. Sue also loved all walks of life which is why the Everett United Church of Christ became her church of choice for a spiritual home. If you were a friend of Susan “Sue” Moreno, you were a friend for life and received the biggest of teddy bear hugs. Needless to say she was a devout DEMOCRATE!!! Inclusion for all!
Sue is survived by her wife, Shelly Cleator, of Everett; father, John Stanley Moreno, San Jose Calif.; aunts, Ann Knapp and Joyce Cachopo, of San Jose, Calif., and Carrollton,Texas; nieces, Lisa Moreno, of Texas, Torin Barnes, Joann Barnes, Kerri Barns Benway and Crystal Aarde, of Marysville, Wash., Tiffany Cleator, of Everett; nephews, Frederick Dooley, Doug Cleator, Tim Cleator, Jeff Cleator, of Marysville and Darrington, and Dan Cleator, of Olympia, Wash.; cousins, Sherry, Arte and Gary Knapp, Karen Cachopo, Jennifer, Stephanie Aucourt and Janelle Fansler, Richard, Mike, Anthony, Vicki, Gilbert and Rocci Vizzusi, Ken and Dennis Ray, Patty Killen, Janet Shaw, and Mary Cachopo; many friends of Bill W.; and her beloved cat, Molly Kai, and dog, Elliott Chewybacca.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Lorraine Donaldson; brothers, Christopher Moreno and Ricky Moreno; grandparents, Mary and Antonio Cachopo; aunts, Mary Cachopo, Isabel Visuzzi, Katherine Ray; and uncles, Manuel Cachopo, Arthur Knapp, Wayne Ray, Rocky Visuzzi.
Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 25; Recitation of the Rosary at 11 a.m. and Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m. at Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201, 425-252-7224, reception following at the church. There will be no graveside service.
If you need more information, please call 425-754-1662.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, 425-261-4822, call for giving opportunities that best suit your needs, or The NOAH Center (Northwest Organization for Animal Help) Log on to thenoahcenter.org/donate
A special “thank you” to the full staff of Everett Providence Medical Center, ER Staff, apecialty offices, general care physicians and Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, for your years of special loving care you gave to my Susie! You are all Angels.
