Susan Lynn Storey, daughter of Guy Storey and Catherine McGregor Storey, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, due to complications from bladder cancer. A steady stream of friends visited her bedside, and childhood friends Julia Streiff Evans and Linda LaMarche Pierce were at her side.

She is survived by a sister, Robin Storey; a much-loved nephew, Robert Paine of Spokane; her caring cousin, Russell Storey of Clarkston; and a cousin, Marc McGregor of Sandpoint. Her sister Sandy (Robert's mother) preceded her in death in 2016, as did her aunt, Betty McGregor.

Sue was proud of her family's pioneer heritage. Great-grandfather Marcus A. Means was a trailblazing entrepreneur and philanthropist in Lewiston who built the family fortune in agriculture and various business ventures from his offices at 313 D St., the Mark Means Building. From the time she was a child, she took a keen interest in the family's farming operations and loved to go out to the wheat fields and ride a tractor with her dad.

Lake Coeur d'Alene, where her parents had a summer cabin, held a special place in her heart. Many summers during the '50s and '60s were spent at Camp Neewahlu, as camper then counselor, and she often said those summers were some of her best and most formative times.

Sue attended the University of Idaho, where she pledged Gamma Phi Beta. She went on to a career in retailing, starting in Portland at Meier and Frank and subsequently starting her own boutique in Old Boise. A discerning buyer and passionate salesperson, she also worked for The Bon Marche-Macy's, Chico's and Eddie Bauer. Combining her flair for decorating and design and love of real estate, she worked at Group One in Boise, showing homes and writing evocative copy to entice buyers. She combined her retailing skills with her caring heart to run the canteen at the Bitterroot Forest fire complex in 2000, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Sue found the perfect calling, and a job she loved, as house director for the Alpha Phi sorority from 2011 to 2015. Known for her dedication to "her girls," her strict emphasis on etiquette and her extensive knowledge of the Greek system, she loved the challenge of running the house but said the best part of the job was getting to know the young collegiate women. She pushed them to make better grades and introduced them to competitive Scrabble. They taught her to text and she became an enthusiastic texter. In addition to being selected as House Director of the Year, Sue was recognized twice as the Inspirational Mentor for two Alpha Phis who received the University of Idaho Alumni Award for Excellence. Notably, she was the first non-UI employee to garner this accolade.

Sue's smile and her heart were so big she was a sunbeam, brightening and warming those around her with her love and caring. Her voice and laughter were a symphony raising the spirits of those in need of good cheer, or a booming brass band leading the march in celebration. She stood up for the downtrodden and defied convention. She listened, cared and hugged.

A celebration of life will be held April 1 at the Quality Inn in Clarkston.

Arrangements were handled by Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home. For additional information, email SusanStoreyMemorial@gmail.com. Donations to Planned Parenthood or your favorite charity.

 

Service Information

Date & Time

Saturday, April 1, 1:00 PM

Location

Episcopal Church of the Nativity
731-8th Street
Lewiston, Idaho 83501

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Additional Details

A reception will follow the service at the Quality Inn & Suites in Clarkston.

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