Susanne Gresham, born Dec. 10, 1944, and a resident of Cheney from 1980-2005, succumbed to pancreatic cancer Dec. 10, 2014 on her 70th birthday and after an eight-month struggle.
Susanne was the first of three daughters born to Leon Bishop and Sue (Hill) Bishop of Prosser, Wash. She attended Prosser schools and was co-valedictorian at her high school graduation, class of 1963, along with Jim Gresham, whom she'd known since kindergarten. Susanne and Jim attended WSU and were married in the summer of 1966. Susanne was one of a few female accounting students in WSU's class of 1967, and a star scholar.
During Jim's subsequent years in graduate school and the army, Susanne became a CPA and worked for firms in Lansing, Mich., and San Rafael, Calif. In September 1972, Jim became an assistant Professor of English at WSU and in December of that year Susanne gave birth to their first child, Miranda. Thomas followed in 1975.
Susanne became a lecturer in WSU's accounting department. Jim changed careers, became a CPA, and the family moved to Cheney in 1980 where they lived for 25 years. The family grew, adding Moira, Peter and Marina. Susanne volunteered with various organizations including the Cheney Band Parents.
They moved closer to Tom's family, in the Bellingham area. Susanne enjoyed singing with Jim in church and community choirs.
A service of remembrance will be held for Susanne at First Congregational Church of Bellingham at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28.
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