Susan Jeanne Grant

Susan Jeanne Grant, 62, passed away surrounded by family in Seattle WA, on September 25th, 2024, and is now home with her savior Jesus Christ. Susan was born on September 19th, 1962, in Seattle, WA to Robert and Lois Grasmick, the second child of three.

Sue graduated from Shorecrest High School in 1981 and later received her Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics Education and also in Clothing and Textiles from Seattle Pacific University.

The decision to focus on education over fashion was not an easy one, but Susan’s love for teaching soon became her true calling.

In 1992, Susan furthered her commitment to education by obtaining a Master of Arts in education and curriculum and Instruction. Throughout her career, she taught in various locations from Clallam Bay to Bremerton, ultimately finding her home at Ingraham High School in Seattle, where for 24 years, Susan inspired countless students as a Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum educator. In 2017, after much reflection, Susan transitioned from the classroom to the district office, where she became the Career and Technical Education Curriculum Specialist for The Seattle School District. Leaving the classroom was the hardest decision of her career.

Susan’s influence was far-reaching. Her lifelong lessons emphasized positivity, safety, resilience, and teamwork inspiring students and teachers alike. Throughout her 36-year teaching career, Susan received numerous honors recognizing her substantial impact. Among these were the prestigious Christa McAuliffe and Golden Acorn Awards in 2013, acknowledging her exceptional dedication to guiding future generations. As an advisor for Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), she navigated students through 14 national conferences, where they consistently excelled, earning gold and silver medals under her guidance. Susan’s commitment to FCCLA was recognized with the Advisor of the Year award on two occasions. Before retiring in September 2024, she was honored with the Washington State Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to Family and Consumer Sciences, a testament to her lasting legacy in education.

Outside of work, Susan had a love for sewing. Friends and family labeled her a master seamstress. Her love for the craft began early. At just 16, she began working at Hancock Fabrics, creating articles of clothing for displays that she, too, proudly cherished.

Susan was a lifelong member of Ballard Baptist Church attending from birth to death, Susan was deeply involved in its ministries, serving for many years as a deaconess and member of the church. For seven years, Susan and her two children managed the church nursery. Faith was central to her life, and in Susan’s final moments, she expressed her readiness to go home to be with Jesus and her mom. The deep love she held for God and her family shined through into her last days.

Susan was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2020 and was given just three to six months to live. Choosing to fight, she faced numerous rounds of chemotherapy and several surgeries. Susan’s strength was unmatched. Her battle with cancer did not prevent her from living her life to the fullest. Though her journey with cancer began during the COVID-19 pandemic, Susan was not alone in her battle—she had strength from friends, family, and God beside her on this journey. Loved ones who accompanied her to appointments, treatments, and surgeries earned the name “Sue’s Army of Angels.” From the start, she prayed for a miracle and recognized them as they came. Moments of comfort and energy were testaments to God’s healing powers and her faith.

Her relationships were of utmost importance, and her children Kaeli and Kayden were her greatest joy. She cherished watching them grow into strong, charismatic individuals and was always there when they needed her. Every time her kids left the house she would say, "Be safe, have fun, and make good choices!” She instilled in them the values of love and resilience that will guide them through life’s challenges.

Susan was an incredibly loving mother, wife, aunt, sister-in-law, daughter, and friend to a great many people. She leaves behind her husband Kerry Grant of 33 years; two children, Kaeli and Kayden Grant; her father, Robert Grasmick; her siblings, Scott (Kim) Grasmick and Shelly (Shawn) Osburn; seven nieces and nephew, Jawan Barrington, Charlina Green, Tiffany (Brandon) Osburn, Rosie Grant, Katy Osburn, Jessica Osburn, and Ruthe Grasmick; nine great-nieces and nephews, Aniyah Barrington, Triston Osburn, Hannah Osburn, Amari Barrington, Sophia Osburn, Savanah Osburn, Jackson Osburn, Jaxon Grant, and Gracelyn Osburn.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, particularly at the University of Washington Medical Center, Northwest, for their exceptional care and continuous support. Additional thanks to Susan’s Army of Angels and all the support given to the whole family during Susan’s battle with cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a scholarship fund in Susan’s name, called The Susan Jeanne Grant Heart Award. This scholarship honors her dedication to education, compassion for others, and the courage she inspired.

Memorial contributions can be made to the scholarship fund at Susan Jeanne Grant Heart Award Fund: https://bold.org/funds/susanjeannegrant/

The Grant family would like to invite friends and family to Susan’s Celebration of Life. Services will be held on October 26th, 2024 at 10:00 am at Sideris Church (formerly Ballard Baptist), 2004 NW 63rd, Seattle, WA 98107.