Susan Elizabeth Urbanec

Susan Urbanec, age 67, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 22, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Sue was born October 6, 1957 in Rutland, Vermont to Virginia and Robert Barker. They resided in Vermont until moving to Los Angeles, CA. In California Virginia and Robert had two more children, Valerie and Kathy. The Barker family moved to Bellingham, WA in 1968 seeking a better quality of life for their family. Sue attended Whatcom Middle School and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1975. Sue met Dennis Urbanec in 1978 and they were married on July 4th, 1979. They celebrated 45 years of marriage last summer. They have two children Melissa and Bryan, whom she loved very much.

Sue was very talented and worked as a seamstress for many years. She did all kinds of upholstery jobs, recovering sofas, chairs, car seats, jeep covers, boat covers, etc. on the side for friends and family. She worked for Brenthaven where she made backpacks and even created her own designs that she would take to trade shows. Sue sewed her own wedding dress when she got married to Dennis. She would go on to sew and mend many outfits for herself, Melissa, Grandchildren, and family. She always seemed to be creating from needle point, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. But her favorite things to create were for her Granddaughters, where she would knit them cute hats or make them cute pillows and stuffies. It also brought her great joy to make crafts alongside her granddaughters when she would babysit.

Sue was a great cook who enjoyed making meals for her family and was always trying new recipes. Dennis would grow a big prosperous garden every year and Sue then would can all the produce grown that summer/fall. From Dilly Beans to home canned Salsa, she would spend countless hours canning and providing for her family.

She was Teacher Sue who taught many kids at Redeemer Lutheran Church Preschool. Teacher Sue loved her job and teaching those little children.. It brought her so much joy being a teacher. She enjoyed organizing field trips, Christmas Programs, crafts, teaching songs, and most of all teaching them about God’s love. She was a wonderful teacher and was adored by many kids and families throughout her 20 years as a preschool teacher. Teacher Sue retired from teaching in 2011 to spend her time caring for her granddaughters whom she loved very much. They were the apple of her eye.

Throughout Sue’s life she displayed incredible courage and unwavering faith in Jesus. Sue fought with determination and grace, inspiring all who knew her. Her faith and the church were very important to her. She devoted many hours to the church throughout her years, being in the Altar Guild, V.B.S. coordinator/teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Serving on the Board of Education, Bible Studies, and a lot more.

Sue was a devoted sister, spouse, parent, grandparent, teacher, friend, and a source of light to everyone around her. She was loving, caring, nurturing and would do anything for her family. She would often go out of her way to make sure they had what they needed, sacrificing herself for their well being. We will miss her dearly but we are at peace knowing she is in Heaven.

Sue is survived by her husband, Dennis Urbanec, daughter Melissa (Donald) Kruse, son Bryan Urbanec, granddaughters Hailey and Kassidy Kruse, and sisters Valerie Pearl (John) Hanrahan and Kathy Little (Greg). Preceded in death by parents Virginia and Robert Barker and brother Charles Barker.

A celebration of life service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on March 28th, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. A private family graveside service will be held at Greenacres separate from the church service.  

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church with subject line listed as Sue Urbanec Memorial.