"My sister Susan was kind and fearless. She was exactly what a big sister should be. I will miss her forever, but she is always with me."
In loving memory of
Susan McNerney
December 9, 1957 - January 28, 2025
Susan Ellen McNerney passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Seattle, Washington to Walter and Jean Fox. Susan embraced life with spirit, determination, and kindness that touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Throughout her life, Susan was ambitious and hardworking. Her first job, at age fourteen, was delivering the Seattle P.I. newspaper before school. She moved on to Sunset Bowl where she worked the front desk and made life-long friends, participated in Junior Bowling and managed to get jobs for her younger sister and brother. A career as a banking assistant, a travel agent, a Princess tours concierge, and a paraeducator for the Edmonds School District rounded out her work history.
Susan really shined in her position as a paraeducator. Her incredible math skills, organized notetaking, and ability to engage even the toughest students highlighted her passion for education. Countless students and colleagues benefited from her generosity, as she dedicated her time beyond regular hours to coach the LHS dance team, chaperone multiple field trips throughout the years, tutor students to high school graduation, and create a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
Susan taught us the importance of compassion, strength of community, and the joy of family. She was a passionate scrapbooker, enjoyed photography, took yearly shopping trips to Portland with her friend Shannon, and loved to throw a party. Whether hosting BBQs, going on cruises, or hanging out with family and friends, Susan filled her life--and the lives of those she loved--with joy and adventure. Her weekly visits with her grandchildren, sleepovers, and planned excursions reflected her love for them and the immeasurable happiness they brought her. Susan was a devoted loving wife, who brought compassion and spontaneity to her marriage. Susan's heart is, and will always be, echoed through her daughter Emily who brought love and joy to her parents. Like her mother, Emily has a strong love for family, is guided by her faith, and has instilled the importance of education in her children.
Susan always looked forward to springtime. This special season provided her permission to wear flip- flops. While we will miss the familiar sounds of her "summer" sandals, it is her generous ways, loyal and supportive friendship, and warm smile that we will miss the most.
Susan is survived by her loving husband of thirty-four years Gregory McNerney, daughter Emily and son-in-law Jake Gallagher, along with their five children. Susan leaves behind siblings, Laura Fox and her partner Bob, Tom Fox, Ed Fox and wife Heather, Shirley Peterson and her husband Nubby of Great Falls Montana., Nancy Vest of Jeffersonville, Indiana, RuthAnn Black of Greenfield, Indiana, her honorary childhood sibling, Matt Schunke, and her best friend Shannon Kennedy who was like a sister to Susan. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter L. Fox, Sr. & Jean L. Fox, and brother, Walter Lee Fox Jr.
Susan's memorial service and celebration of life will be held March 15th at 11AM at Refuge Church in Lynnwood.
Please consider expressing some of your memorable interactions with Sue and fond memories that will enlighten others of her at the ceremony.
We are encouraging people to wear flip flops as it is March, the start of her flip flop season.
There will also be an opportunity to make a small contribution for obtaining tulips for a memorial garden for her.