Susan Kliavkoff
It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the passing of Susan Eva Kliavkoff June 22, 2017 in her home in Issaquah, WA. Susan’s final days were peaceful. Over the last number of years she battled with lung cancer. Susan is survived by her daughter, Maria, her son, George (Ellen), grandchildren Delaney and Henry and sister, Katalin (John). She is predeceased by her husband Philip and her brother, Peter, and many dear friends including Mary and Patty.
Susan was born on August 8, 1937 in Budapest, Hungary. She was the oldest of three. Susan attended school and was an intern in a movie studio when in 1956 her family escaped to the United States. For a brief time she attended school in Louisville, KY where she met lifelong friend Pat Prell. In New York she completed her education at Hunter College. Susan met her best friend, Mary Hermanowski at work, Mary was Susan’s boss. Both were pioneers in the field of data processing, “back when computers took up an entire room”. Susan worked for the Girl Scouts, Brooklyn Polytechnic, Fordham University, Lehman College and retired from the City University of New York, Baruch Campus.
Susan met and married Philip, her husband of more than 48 years in New York. Together they had two children, Maria and George. They lived in the Bronx, Scarsdale and Somers, NY. In 2003 they moved to Seattle, WA where she spent the remainder of her years.
The story of Susan’s life is one of loyal friendships, deep love of family and dedication to her community. She gave generously of her time, her talents and her resources. Susan volunteered with nursing homes on both the East and West Coast and was a passionate advocate for eldercare. Susan was a longtime volunteer for the Umbrella Board at Providence Point, her Washington community. Susan was honored by Providence Point with the Volunteer of Excellence Award for “Great Service to the Community” in 2015.
In her spare time Susan loved to attend opera, travel, play bridge and entertain friends and family. Susan loved flowers and gardening and had an amazing green thumb. Susan was not spiritual; she believed there was something greater, she just didn’t know what it is…today she is finding out. From the smile on her face in the days prior to her passing it seems a very blissful place she is going to. To all who have supported and loved Susan particularly through her final years, her family thanks you. We particularly wish to thank her care aid team; you ladies are angels.
There will be two Celebrations of Her Life, one on the West Coast to be held on Tuesday, August 8 at 11:00 AM in the Clubhouse of Providence Point, 4265 224th Court SE, Issaquah, WA 98029 and one on the East Coast during Thanksgiving week at the Metropolitan Opera House, Upper Tier Reception Hall. Susan’s ashes will travel with her daughter to Canada where there will be a small internment service with Susan’s Canadian friends.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you make donations to either the International Rescue Committee at www.rescue.org or the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley at www.hospicesocietycv.com. Box 925 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Canada.