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“A Single Sunbeam is Enough to Drive Away Many Shadows” ST Francis of Assisi

Susan G. Emry

(ROBIDEAUX – Age 71)

“A Single Sunbeam is Enough to Drive Away Many Shadows” – ST Francis of Assisi.

With a heavy heart we announce the death of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and dear friend Susan G. Robideaux Emry. Susan was born April 18th, 1953, in Spokane, WA, to William and Reubie Robideaux. She went to join the Lord peacefully, in her sleep on August 5th, 2024, at her cherished home on Reflection Lake in Elk, WA. Susan grew up and rivaled her feisty, fun-loving, 5 brothers in Spokane, WA, where they performed musical skits for family friends. She attended Marycliff and Mead High Schools. She met her future husband, Brian (Bud) Emry, at a party and was instantly charmed when he tuned his harmonica in orange soda. Bud, in turn, was captivated by Susan’s party trick – reciting Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious backwards.

Sue and Bud were married on September 13th, 1971, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and together raised their family in Spokane, WA, Billings, MT, Missoula, MT and the longest, in Elk, WA. At just 22, they moved two states away and with no family nearby, Susan raised 3 children with Bud instilling in them to be charitable, truthful, grateful and forgiving. Together, they had the pleasure of making fabulous friends, bowling, river rafting, camping and gardening. She was a hard worker, resourceful with their pennies and bought their first home in a wonderful neighborhood across the street from Rose Park in Billings, MT. They moved another 6 times before they landed on Reflection Lake next door to her in-laws, Gordon and Nadine Emry.

Susan had a heart for community.  Her love of the Lord ingrained her to be helpful – a part of the solution – a sunbeam for anyone in troubled times. If you needed anything, she’d be your loyal advocate. She was a steadfast supporter of small businesses, fundraisers, charity causes, or anything to benefit the community. People were blessed with her pep talks or polished pieces of writing – (AI will never be able to replace her editing skills!). She volunteered on both the Reflection Lake Water Board and Reflection Lake Community Association. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, assistant softball coach, Elk VFW dinner & breakfast host, and more. She led Elk Pioneer Days for several years and donned the title of Grand Marshal in 2021.

Sue was a woman of many talents. Her love of numbers led her to a fulfilling career in banking and accounting, with a special fondness for her time at Northland Federal Credit Union, where she truly enjoyed serving her clients. She held a variety of fun and creative jobs – cake decorating, in-home daycare, waitressing and direct sales. In 2014, she selflessly left the workforce to live with and care for her ailing mother.     

Susan’s favorite pastimes included crocheting, birdwatching, playing cards on the deck, and reading.  

She will be remembered by her fascination with numbers, love of good food, her quick-witted humor, and often closing remarks, “GO BE GREAT TODAY”!  – especially while watching the Gonzaga Bulldog basketball games!

Sue is joyfully reunited with her husband, parents, in-laws, brothers William & Joe, and twin sisters Corinne & Ellen – along with several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Susan is deeply missed by her children Angela (Shane) Sanders, Nicole Robideaux, and Will Emry. Grandchildren Megan Sanders, Danika (Aaron) Serghini, and Luna and Aiden Davidson. Great grandchildren Xander and Ronan Kummer and Lennox Serghini. Brothers John (Lori), Steve, Jim (Erin) and Anthony Robideaux. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends – and her loyal canine pal, Teddy.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 13th at 11:00 am at Elk Community Park,40500 N Elk Camden Rd, Elk WA with a potluck. Fun or casual attire is welcomed.

In honor of Susan’s generous spirit, donations may be made to: Freddy B’s Furry Friends Rescue, PO Box 366, Elk WA 99009, WDVA (WA Department of Veterans Affairs) PO Box 41150, Olympia WA 98504-1150, or the charity of your choice.

This is a sponsored article and does not necessarily reflect the position of the Deer Park Gazette or its staff.

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