On the morning of March 3, 2021, Suzanne S. Bond, of Coupeville, Wash., died peacefully at home at the age of 70. She was surrounded by her family. Suzanne was a devoted mother, a loving wife, a leader by example, and a beloved friend.
Named Victoria Suzanne Bednorz by her parents, she always preferred to be called Suzanne. Born to Twila Darlene Vice and Edwin Gilbert Bednorz, Suzanne arrived on Aug. 9, 1950, in Tacoma, Wash. She had one older brother, Edwin Gene “Rusty” Bednorz.
Suzanne’s first husband was Howard Lee Simonson. They married in 1971. In 1987, the twins were born, Cavan and Zachary. In 1994, Suzanne married her second husband, Dan Noel Bond. She wrote about Dan saying, “He is my heart connection to the world; we have important work to do together.”
In so many ways, Suzanne was exceptional. She came from modest beginnings. She believed strongly in the power of education and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She earned her B.A. and master’s of education at Western Washington State College, then her doctor of education from Seattle University in 1982.
Suzanne began her teaching career as the business education instructor at Juanita High School. She then rose to the assistant principal position. She later was principal of Mariner High School for eight years before moving into the Mukilteo School District office as director of staff development and special projects. In 1996 Suzanne accepted the superintendent position for Coupeville schools.
In Coupeville, Suzanne made her deepest impact as superintendent. She helped instill character education and development within the school district. She fostered engagement between the business community and the district. Numerous businesses displayed the Coupeville school’s “words to live by,” which included: “Respect, Caring, Responsibility, Contribution, Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Cooperation, and Perseverance.”
Suzanne retired in 2002, but returned to education shortly after as associate professor in the educational leadership program at Seattle Pacific University.
Suzanne lived a life of service through education. With her heart for kids, contagious smile and ready laughter, she made friends everywhere she went. She was deeply spiritual and compassionate and raised her children to put others first.
Suzanne is survived by her husband Dan and children, Cavan and Zach. Suzanne’s online celebration of life will be 1 p.m. Sunday, March 28. Attendees can register at https://memories.lightenarrangements.com/suzanne-bond/
