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A Tribute to Jean Sudmeier

Jean Sudmeier

It is with great sadness that we’re writing to inform you of the passing of our dear friend and fellow I-WAY member, Jean Sudmeier.  Jean inspired us all with her courageous battle against cancer, volunteering for I-WAY throughout her treatments. Her spirits were high as she loved life!

Many of you will remember Jean as the wonderful lady at the check-in desk for events. Jean served on the board for the last 3+ years, coordinating our membership rolls and event check-ins. She was loved by many of us and will be deeply missed!

Jean’s family accepted and embraced the I-WAY board’s offer to provide the food for the family gathering following Jean’s memorial service on July 7th at Holy Family Church.

Jean’s sons, Mike, Mark and Patrick, agreed that this is what Jean would have wanted and enjoyed. Jean’s children are very thankful that their mother enjoyed the social functions and meeting the diverse ladies in the valley through I-WAY.

The farewell to Jean offered us all a very special chance to show her family and friends how much I-WAY appreciated Jean’s great volunteer efforts and how much we all loved her as a dear friend!

If you are unable to attend the service and would like to send a card to Jean’s family, please send to: Henry Sudmeier & family, 221 Lookout Point Drive, Selah, WA 98942

 

Thanks to those who helped!

It was very nice to see all of us join forces to make Jean's funeral reception a success.

Lynn H, thank you for the nice flower arrangements!

Lisbeth, you did a SUPER JOB making the PASTA! You are now the Pasta Queen!  You won't believe it, we had pasta coming out our ears :-)

Nina, thank you for cooking so much food...the salsa was great! the guest were asking for more. Chicken was simply " muy delicioso". The signs noting the country of origin for the dishes were a very special touch!

Linda, thank you for frying the eggrolls and the veggie/fruit trays. How can we function without your wisdom and humor! 

Ines, you are now an expert in slicing fruit. Thank you for making our fruit tray so beautiful

Maureen, the ham and the different relish/mustard (forgive me for being ignorant of those English spreads names) and the Indian rice was very good.

Vikkie, your fried rice was a hit.

Aura, you are the BEST cook.

Danielle, Gladys, Joan, and Arlie, thank you for all the yummy dishes that you all brought and all your hard work assisting with what needed to be done.

Vergie Ortega, thank you for helping us and helping with the Lumpia (eggrolls). Hope you will consider being on the board next year.

Rietje Keyes, thank you so much for your help all afternoon!

Ladies, I'm proud to say what a wonderful group we have!  This experience was PRICELESS!!

Hank sends his BIG THANK YOU TO ALL! He had so MANY, MANY compliments he said.

Memories of Jean

I have so many, many memories of working with Jean on I-WAY membership tasks over the last 3+ years. I looked forward to her monthly call letting me know that she wanted to pick up label or membership lists or drop off new applications for me to add to the database! Almost every visit included time for tea at my home office ... or a cup of coffee at Starbucks. A visit with Jean never failed to brighten my day as I shared my life with Jean and she shared hers with me. Jean's courageous battle with cancer and seemingly unfailing good spirits and happy nature was an inspiration to many. Our lives are brightened and broadened by the many people we are privileged to meet and get to know. Jean was a very special friend, to me and to I-WAY, who I will sorely miss ! My heart goes out to Jean's family as they mourn her passing and celebrate her life. Please know that I cherished the friendship of your sweet wife/mom/aunt/sister, grandma!

Danielle Surkatty, USA/Indonesia

Who was Jean Sudmeier? Jean was the first person who will welcome you and remind you to put on your a name tag in almost every IWAY event with a smile. I had the pleasure of working side by side with Jean as Co Membership Chair on the Board and as President. Jean was the one that called and gave me her words of wisdom, so to speak, and who inspired me to continue as IWAY president. Jean was meticulous in proper documentation and a very organized event planner. Just look at the the checks and receipts in the books. Jean knows who did and did not pay at the door! It was Jean who kept us "on track" in our meeting (you know what happens when a bunch of ladies meet for lunch or coffee).  Jean was a friend and a mentor to me. Jean, I thank you for all the things you taught me--it may not compare to the many years you spent with other friends, colleagues and family, but the friendship we had will last for a very long time. You are a wonderful person and hey you made my job as president a piece of cake.  We love you Jean and you are going be missed! Lastly,  thank you Hank for driving Jean to our events and to the children -God Bless You All. Your mother was a great asset to IWAY.

Emma Parrish, Philippines

I am really sad to know that Jean Sudmeier passed away.  She was an exceptional woman, I remember when I met her the first time and the last time before I left Yakima.  She always was a brave woman, I admired her.  I am sure that we will all miss her.  I wish I were there and help you with the reception on July 7th .  However you don't need my help because you are a great team and you will have a successful activity as always. Good luck, I am sure that Jean is looking down from heaven.

Silvia Coto, Costa Rica