LaVera Z. Susich passed away on December 12, 2023. LaVera was born February 28, 1930, in Enumclaw, Wash. to William & Wilma Martinelli. She attended J.J. Smith Elementary and Enumclaw High School where she graduated in 1948. She enjoyed being a leader of the yell squad/cheerleader during her junior high and high school years and was voted Class “Cut Up” in her senior year. Her senior quote was “Her heart is young, she will never grow old.” How true! She was raised on the family farm and helped milk cows and drove the hay truck at 14 years old.

After graduation she moved to Eureka and attended Eureka Business School. She met her future husband Frank Susich through their mutual friend, Elio Cortopassi. The two were married on September 28, 1950. For many years they enjoyed dancing at the Angelina Inn and made so many good friends there.

LaVera is survived by her sister Lola Allen, her son Mark Susich (Janine), her daughter Kathi Wingo (Bill) and her daughter Kristina Walker (Blake), as well as 7 Grandchildren; BJ Susich (Ashley), Johnathan Susich, Danica Helgren (Matt), Collin Susich, Trisha Dane (Joshua), Delaney Hilsen (Alexander), Emily Walker. She also had 11 Great-grandchildren: Carter Susich, Rory Susich, Hailey Susich, Samantha Clearwater, Silas Sossaman, Kennedy Winter, Harper Helgren, Jacob Dane, Madison Dane, Taylor Dane, and Colt Dane, along with many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She began her long career at Daly’s Department Store in Eureka in 1948 and was employed by Daly’s for more than 45 years, working full-time almost continuously until the store closed in 1995. She ended her career there as a Buyer and Department Manager. For many years she enjoyed organizing the bi-yearly Daly’s reunion lunches. She truly enjoyed working with the public and later worked at Costco as a product demonstration representative, where she enjoyed seeing so many friends and acquaintances and had the opportunity to utilize her great customer service skills.

Over the years she enjoyed family camping trips, Sunday picnics at Women’s Club Grove, sewing, painting, embroidery, flower gardening, and tea parties with; Mary Jane Ratjen, Mary Frost, and Vera Poulson. Later in life she enjoyed watching sports, especially football and basketball. Her favorite football team was the Kansas City Chiefs, and her favorite Quarterback was Patrick Mahomes. She was a big fan of Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors too. Throughout the years she attended many local sporting events in support of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

LaVera was a member of Eureka Elks’ Emblem Club and volunteered at the Elks Club for banquet events. She also was a member and volunteer of the Humboldt Hill Grange. When her children were young, she was a member of the PTA and volunteered to organize the Franklin Elementary School Carnival for several years and enjoyed helping in their classroom, and for school classroom events.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William & Wilma Martinelli, her brothers Tom Martinelli & Gary Martinelli, her sister Barbara Stanley. Her husband Frank Susich, her son Greg Susich, her daughter-in-law Mari-Jo Susich, her granddaughter Kelle Sossaman, and her grandson Billy Wingo Jr.

She enjoyed staying in daily contact with her sister Lola and so appreciated her dear friends; Jan Hughes and Al & Mary Jane Ratjen.

Her vibrant personality, quick wit, and truly youthful spirit will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A private graveside service will be held at Ocean View Cemetery in Eureka. Arrangements are under the care of Sanders Funeral Home in Eureka. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka on July 6, 2024, at 1 p.m. For more information email KathiWingo@aol.com

If you would like to donate in her honor, please consider the American Diabetes Foundation or Hospice of Humboldt.

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