Judy Suvak

Judith Willson Suvak, 73, died on April 27, 2008 at her residence in Ilwaco, Washington of natural causes. The only child of John Willson and Francis Wolfe she was born February 19, 1935 in Denver, Colorado. Raised by her maternal grandparents, Judy graduated from North Denver High School at the age of 17 and attended college at the University of Denver where she received a degree in music. On December 28, 1959 she married Albert Suvak, and taught music in Riverton, Wyoming for two years, before moving to Bozeman, Montana. Residing in Bozeman, she earned a Master's degree in Education from Montana State University, while at the same time continuing a teaching career at nearby Belgrade School District that would span 30 years until her retirement. After caring for him throughout a prolonged illness, her beloved husband Al died on April 14, 1992. Soon she began her second career: volunteerism, first in one of Montana's last one room schoolhouses in rural Gallatin County, Montana and later at Bozeman Senior High School. Education was a passion for Judy, a profession she absolutely loved and believed in. In 2002, she moved to the Long Beach Peninsula to live closer to her youngest daughter Cathy, fellow teacher and best friend. She quickly become a highly visible member of the community, once again offering her boundless energy and teaching skills to area children, volunteering on an almost daily basis at Ocean Park Elementary School, right up to the time of her sudden and unexpected death. Judy loved children. In her lifetime, she purchased and gave away enough children's books to fill a small library. A natural born teacher, all those whose lives she touched will remember her patient and gentle manner. Judy was an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Seaview, where she played the organ during services. She also directed the Presbyterian Church choir, and two children's choirs, "Singing Saints" and "Wee Saints". Judy had a deep and abiding faith and made many friends and acquaintances in her short time living on the Peninsula. It is a comfort to her friends and family that the last day of her life was a Sunday spent volunteering in service to God, before he called his servant home. She had a special fondness for her two cats, George and Arabella. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and traveling; especially to Scotland and England, making several trips with her daughters, and friends. She loved the Gallatin Valley, Bozeman, and the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. She was a member of the Yellowstone Institute with a lifetime pass to Yellowstone National Park, which was her most special place on earth. She belonged to Music Edventures, presenting at the annual conference to friends, colleagues, and fellow music professionals too numerous to list. She gave generously to the Nature Conservancy, the Montana State Alumni Association, National Public Radio, PBS, and many other organizations, causes, and worthwhile charities she believed in. Judy was a wonderful, giving person, and we will miss her beyond what words can express. Her son David Suvak of Kalispell, Montana; daugther Betsy Suvak of Clearwater, Florida and daughter Catherine Meinhardt of Ilwaco, a cousin Anne Peterson of Pasadena, California and two grandchildren Kyle and Kayla Suvak survive her. A celebration of her life will take place 4:00 p.m. Friday at Peninsula Church Center in Seaview. Donations to the St. Peter's Episcopal Church or Yellowstone Institute can be made in Judy's name. Arrangements by Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach, WA. Please sign the online guestbook at www.penttilaschapel.com