Susan (Sue) Adelaide Griffin

Susan (Sue) Adelaide Griffin March 12, 1942 – May 8, 2025

Susan “Sue” Adelaide Griffin passed away peacefully in her home in Milwaukie, Oregon, on May 8, 2025, at the age of 83. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by her two nieces, their children, and the many friends she made throughout her adventurous and impactful life across Oregon, California, and places around the world.

Sue was born in Washington state on March 12, 1942, and raised primarily in Los Angeles, California, with her two older sisters Mary (who resides in Arizona) and Tess (who died in 2022). She had a very close relationship with her mom Ella and dad Gerry Griffin and used her nursing skills to care for them as they got older.

Sue earned multiple degrees, starting with a diploma in registered nursing from Queen of Angels in 1963, a BSN from San Diego State in 1967, a MSN from Cal State LA in 1977, and finally a MA in educational technology from San Diego State in 1987. Her career as a nurse and a nurse educator spanned four decades.

Sue served bravely as a captain and trauma nurse in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, where she cared for wounded soldiers and civilians with a sense of purpose and humanity that defined her life. Upon returning home, she poured her energy into nursing education, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. She taught at Mt. Hood Community College, Kaiser in San Diego, and aboard the Ship Hope off the coast of Brazil. She developed nursing standards for the state of California and was a professor and instructional designer at Palomar College for several years before becoming the chairperson of the nursing department in 1995.

Even in retirement, Sue never stopped giving and advocating for those less fortunate. She moved to Vancouver, WA, with her mother, whom Sue cared for until she died at 98. Sue continued to be a great support to her nieces and their children throughout her life. She volunteered by tutoring elementary students in reading and awarding scholarships to nursing students at Palomar College and Portland State University. In 2015, Sue moved to Rose Villa, a senior living community in Milwaukie, Oregon, where she cherished her friends and daily use of the pool!

Sue was known for her generosity and great advice. If someone told her about a challenge or problem, she would spend lots of time finding possible solutions. She used her research skills to discover her genealogy, alternative wellness approaches, and ways to preserve democracy and climate that are under threat. She was an avid reader and kept up on current events and world affairs to the end. She never stopped advocating for those needing help.

Sue faced health challenges in her later years, many stemming from her exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, with courage and grace. While her absence leaves a deep ache, her legacy—of knowledge, compassion, service, and wit—lives on in the many lives she touched.

Please join us to say goodbye to Sue at 1:30 pm on June 12, 2025, at Gethsemani Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to a cause Sue believed in, such as the Orangutan Project or Common Cause Oregon.