Susan Contreras McIlhiny

Susan Contreras McIlhiny, age 89, of Seattle, Washington passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2023. Born Jesusa Flores Contreras on April 21, 1934 in Iloilo city, Philippines to Vicente Oro Contreras and Praxedes Anas Flores.

Preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Rosita, Venancio, Francisco, Beinvenido, Neri; two husband's, Felix A Dilodilo and Donald McIlhiny. Survived by her children Vince, John, and Becky; Stepsons Danny, Tommy, and Tim; Grandchildren Zachary, Justin, Cameron, Maddie, Grace, Devyn, Sebastian, and Ryan; Great Grandchildren Madison, Ethan, and Ali.

Susan was a child during the dark years of WWII, her family had fled through three towns in four years to escape the Japanese. Though times were difficult she would fondly recall the strong bonds made with her cousins. This positivity would be a central theme in her life. It was also during that time that she developed a sense of adventure, so as a young woman she would travel throughout the Philippines. Her father worked for customs and would negotiate free passage for her with ship captains.

Susan would later attend dressmaking school, which led her to Manila where she became seamstress for a prominent family. The family loved the clothes she would create, but they loved the joy she brought to the household even more. So much so, they invited her to live with them. The children in the family loved her so much the family would often take her on vacation with them, furthering her travels.

In 1962 Susan longed for adventure outside the Philippines and traveled to the Seattle World's Fair. Though she suffered from seasickness she opted to travel by boat instead of flying so she could spend time in ports along the way. She set sail for a 21 day adventure. Upon arriving in Seattle, while staying with a friend, Susan would be introduced to her first husband Felix. They had two children Vince and John and she inherited a daughter Becky. She would work for Boeing, Pemco Insurance, and King County Metro.

Susan became involved in the Filipino community where she was a founding member of the Visayan circle and became queen of the Filipino community. Her dressmaking skills were highly sought after in the community. The once shy girl was blossoming. She loved to sing, but only alone at home. This now confident woman was now able to share her voice. She would also learn and perform hula and Filipino folk dances at parties and events.

Widowed in 1978, Susan would later marry her second husband Donald in 1983 and briefly moved to Michigan. She inherited three sons Danny, Tommy, and Tim. Upon returning to Seattle she would dedicate her life to her family and the community, especially her son John. She would support him in all his activities most notably NW Boys choir/Vocalpoint and KilUSAn Sining performing arts.

She's served the elders in the community by helping them with errands or driving them to appointments. Susan enjoyed making those around her happy and loved to host large gatherings and parties.

In 2003 Susan would suffer a stroke and became paralyzed. She could no longer serve the community, but with her son Vince by her side she was still present, attending parties and events. Her laugh would echo through the halls of Providence Mt. St. Vincent where she lived, she would break out in song whenever the mood would strike her. Through life's ups and downs Susan always managed to laugh, sing, dance and be a positive light in the world.