Yvette Susumi

passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2010 at The Wyatt House on Bainbridge Island, Washington at 81 years of age. She was born on December 21, 1928 in Ecueille, a small town in France to Maurice Gauvain and Juliette Trouve where she was raised on a farm. Her father was in the French resistance and their village was occupied by the Germans during WWII. Her family hid a Jewish couple in their home for 2 years at great risk to their own family. Later, she fell in love and married Arthur Susumi who was stationed in France with the US military. She moved to Seattle with him and made a beautiful home for her family. Yvette was a gourmet cook and wonderful homemaker, sewing and knitting many beautiful clothes for her family. She was a loving devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was also a very strong animal lover, having many pets throughout her life. Yvette retired from the Seattle School district where she worked in Food Service at Asa Mercer Jr. High School for over 20 years. She was a member of the Nisei Veteran's Auxiliary Club. Twelve years ago, she was met by numerous challenges presented to her after surgical complications. In spite of the severe physical limitations, she managed to become semi-independent utilizing the same strength and grace that she demonstrated throughout her life. While she will be greatly missed, it is a relief that she is free from the burdens that she endured for her final years. She was a resident of Bainbridge Island for the past five years and former resident of Seattle for 52 years. Yvette is survived by her daughters; Marlene Smick (Monty) of Spokane, WA, Christine Susumi (Jay) of Bainbridge Island, WA and her granddaughter Carolyn Smick of Portland, Oregon. She also leaves behind her siblings and other relatives in France. She was preceded in death by her husband Arthur A. Susumi in 2005. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Memorial Service on Friday, August 13, 2010 at noon at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4210 SW Genesee, Seattle, WA 98116. Private interment will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA. Memorial contributions can be made at West Sound Wildlife Shelter on Bainbridge Island.