Susan Swisher

Susan Swisher lost her battle with cancer Dec. 13, 2014, at the age of 64. Determined to check things off her “bucket list,” she continued to be busy with what she wanted to do until the end. In her own words: “My life’s reward is my son Tyler, and now his family, Holly, Abby and Kayla. I am so proud. I have been fortunate to have had my brothers, Alan, Bruce and Todd, and their wives, Mary Jo and Marilyn, in my life. Their love and support has sustained me.”

“I’m thankful to my father, Ben, and my mother, Edith, for raising me to love the beautiful Pacific Northwest, the waters and beaches, the mountains and rivers. I’m grateful to my loving friends for their love, good humor and support, in always being there with help and hugs.”

Known for her independence, Susan moved to Whidbey Island as a young woman in 1970 and started realizing her dreams — living in the country, riding horses, having dogs, raising her wonderful son, Tyler, getting her associate degree and certification, and building a house on an island with a beautiful view of the water, mountains and beaches.

A good friend to many, a caring, diligent co-worker at the University of Washington Radiology for 30-plus years, a sister, daughter, mother and grandmother, she will be greatly missed. Susan loved life and enjoyed many activities, including horse racing, fishing, her dogs, traveling, fun painted nails, dragonflies and hats. She loved to cook, especially good Penn Cove mussels along with a nice glass of wine.

A “child of the ’60s,” Susan was a progressive. Going back to college as a young mother to finish her associate degree with honors, she was an independent, no-nonsense girl with her own opinions, very creative and artistic, filling her home with family treasures and wonderful craftwork.

Susan is survived by her son, Tyler Moch, and his wife, Holly; grandchildren, Abby Hamilton and Kayla Moch; her mother, Edith Swisher; brothers, Alan (Marilyn) and Todd (Mary Jo); nephew, Kyle (Denali), and niece, Jaclyn (Jordan). She was preceded in death by her father, Benjamin Swisher; her brother, Bruce Swisher; and her daughter-in-law, Kia Krieg Moch.

A Celebration of Life for Susan Swisher will be held 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Clinton Community Hall. Please visit Susan’s page in the Book of Memories hosted at www.wallinfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences. Arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, LLC, Oak Harbor, Wash.