Susan Elizabeth Rutkowski

Susan Elizabeth Rutkowski passed away surrounded by her family on January 5th, 2025. She was 82. 

 On January 1st, Sue and her husband, Charles, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Providing love, stability, and support to her husband and their children, Kevin and Joan, was what mattered most to Sue. She was devoted to her family, and she was grateful to be able to focus on the work it takes to be a homemaker.

 Sue was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on April 16, 1942 to Catherine and Charles Shipman. Her fondest memories include the summers she spent on the Jersey Shore. In 1964, she graduated from Cedar Crest College with a degree in teaching.

 After marrying on January 1st, 1965, Sue and Charles started their family while living in New Jersey. They eventually settled in Kennewick, Washington for Charles’ work and lived there for 28 years. In 2002, they retired to Port Townsend.

 Sue loved her travels around Europe with Charles and especially enjoyed getting in touch with her English and Scottish heritage during those trips. She also was fond of the time she spent attending and volunteering at the First Presbyterian Church of Port Townsend before her health declined. 

 Despite serious health issues in the last few years of her life, Sue amazed her family and friends with enduring positivity, humor, and courage. She was brave and mentally sharp to the very end. We miss her greatly already.

Sue is survived by her husband, Charles; her son, Kevin Rutkowski (wife, Janelle); and daughter, Joan Rutkowski (partner, Paul Dunnette). She is preceded in death by her twin brother, Stephen, and their parents, Catherine and Charles Shipman.

The family thanks Dr. Mattern, the Jefferson Healthcare Hospice team, and Sue’s private aides for their excellent care, as well as her loving neighbors for their support. A private family service has been held.

Donations in Sue’s memory can be made to Jefferson Healthcare Hospice (hospicefoundationjhc.networkforgood.com) and the Whitman County Humane Society (whitmanpets.org), where her daughter Joan adopted Ellie, a Lapponian Herder who became very special to Sue.