Suzanne C. Westwood

Suzanne Claudia (Frazier) Westwood, born on September 8, 1936, in Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, surrounded by family. She was the cherished daughter of Doris and Joseph Frazier, who instilled in her the values of love, kindness, and dedication. Sue grew up in a family that was always on the move due to her father's career with United Airlines, spending her formative years in California and Long Island, New York. After returning to California, she graduated from Notre Dame All-Girls High School, a pivotal moment that set her on a path of lifelong learning and compassion.

From an early age, Sue demonstrated her unstoppable work ethic, taking on roles that ranged from a floor manager at Woolworth at the age of 16 to various positions with United Airlines and an insurance company. However, her true calling emerged when she found her passion in social work, where her selfless nature flourished. After earning her bachelor's degree from Portland State University, Sue dedicated 26 years to helping people through Oregon’s Vocational Rehabilitation department. Her work brought immense satisfaction as she served in various capacities, including VR Counselor and ultimately becoming the Branch Manager. Her exceptional service to the community was recognized by former Oregon Governor Vic Atiyeh, who honored her for her contributions that made a profound difference in the lives of many Oregonians.

Sue's commitment to serving others did not end with her retirement from public office. She continued to support her community as a manager for Independent Living Resources and a career counselor for Goodwill Industries.  She also did private counseling – often for free – to help people seeking career guidance. In addition to her professional endeavors, she generously devoted her time as a Hospice volunteer and participated in numerous ministries with her church that reflected her strong faith and love for God. 

Known affectionately as the "garage sale queen," Sue had an eye for a good bargain and a love for Burger King Whoppers that brought her joy. Her enthusiasm for life extended to her love for sports, instilled in her by her father, Joe Frazier. Whether it was football games or the Indy 500, she loved watching sporting events and cheering on her children and grandchildren at their games and other monumental events in their lives. Her pets and the wildlife around her home were treated with love, and she ensured her bird feeders were always full. Christmas held a special place in her heart; every year, she made her favorite holiday a magical experience for her family, filled with gifts, delicious food, and tender gatherings that resonated with love.

Despite her physical ailments, Sue was a dedicated Catholic who maintained her faith and made the effort to walk to church to attend Mass every Sunday. She loved lingering after the service to connect with friends over coffee and donuts, further illustrating her warm spirit and commitment to community.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Doris Carse (William) and Joseph Frazier; her brother, Joseph Frazier; and her beloved children, Thomas Vorreyer and Theresa Gray. 

Above all, Sue treasured her role as a mother and grandmother. Left to cherish her memory, she is survived by her two remaining children, Tim Schubert (Sue) and Shawna Parra (Darren); her grandchildren Katie Lazzini (Steven), Michele Champlin (Jon), Mary Schubert, Andrew Schubert (Abigail), Tiffany (Eric) Martin, Aaron and Rebecca Picken, Samantha Hutchinson (Eric), Alexandra King (Josh), Madeline, Abigail, and Dominic Parra. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Gabriel, Joseph, and Stella Lazzini; Jeremiah and Jude Champlin; Luke Schubert; Emily, Cristian, Levi, Lucas, and Hudson Martin; Aleah and Lincoln Picken; Mason, Grant, and Ava Grace Hutchinson; Sebastian King; Greyson and Crue Parra; and her nephew Joe Frazier.  Sue is also remembered by her former husband, Bret Westwood.

Her legacy of compassion and dedication to helping others will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Providence Hospice for their loving care in Sue's final days. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A service to honor Sue’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Agatha Catholic Church, her parish, located at 7983 SE 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97202. The church will open its doors at noon for those wishing to pay their respects early, followed by a rosary at 12:30 p.m. A brief remembrance of Sue will take place before the funeral Mass which begins at 1:00 p.m. A reception will be held in the parish hall afterward, where we can gather to further celebrate Sue’s life. She will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon. Friends and family are invited to celebrate her remarkable life and the profound impact she made on all who knew her.

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