Susan “Susie” Wolff Desmond passed away on April 11, 2022, in Portland, Oregon. Susie was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2017.

Susie was born in Aberdeen, Washington on Nov. 21,1943.

She graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1961 and the University of Washington in 1965.

She was the granddaughter of George J. Wolff, who immigrated from Germany in the late 1880s, and founded the George J. Wolff Co. Department Store, which was located at Wishkah and Broadway.

Susie’s parents were Joel and Ruth Wolff, who were fixtures in Aberdeen their entire lives.

After living in Pasadena, California for many years, Susie moved to Portland in 1994 when she married her high school boyfriend from Aberdeen, Thomas Desmond.

Susie had a 35-year career in education serving children as a special educator, an English teacher and a middle school dean.

Susie loved theater and served on the board of directors of the Portland Center Stage.

Susie lived in Portland’s Pearl District since 2001 where she and her miniature Schnauzers were recognized by all.

Susie was proud of her family’s Jewish heritage, and she passionately expressed her opinion on many subjects.

She had an infectious smile, eyes that sparkled, and a laugh that was contagious, especially when conversing or persuading a listener about one of her favorite causes.

She is survived in Oregon by her husband Thomas Desmond; her son Joel Lavin (Anna Spickerman); her daughter Emilie Bennett (Andre Bennett); her grandchildren, Lila and Solomon Lavin, and Nina and Ava Bennett; and her brother George Wolff, DDS (Karen Wolff) who live in California.

A celebration of Susie’s life will be held at Congregation Beth Israel at 1972 NW Flanders Street in Portland on May 6 at 11 a.m. to be followed by a reception.

Charities of choice are the Alzheimer’s Association or Maple Creek Miniature Schnauzer Rescue in the name of Susan W. Desmond.