In Loving Memory
Suzanne Bond
On the morning of March 3, 2021, Suzanne S. Bond of Coupeville, Washington, died peacefully at home at the age of 70. She was surrounded by her family. Suzanne was a devoted mother, a loving wife, a leader by example, and a beloved friend.
Named Victoria Suzanne Bednorz by her parents, she always preferred to be called Suzanne. Born to Twila Darlene Vice and Edwin Gilbert Bednorz, Suzanne arrived on August 9th, 1950, in Tacoma, Washington. She had one older brother, Edwin Gene “Rusty” Bednorz.
Suzanne’s first husband was Howard Lee Simonson. They were married in 1971. In 1987 the twins were born, Cavan and Zachary. In 1994, Suzanne married her second husband, Dan Noel Bond. She wrote about Dan saying, “He is my heart connection to the world; we have important work to do together.”
In so many ways, Suzanne was exceptional. She came from modest beginnings. She believed strongly in the power of education and had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. She earned her B.A. and Masters of Education at Western Washington State College, then her Doctor of Education from Seattle University in 1982. Suzanne began her teaching career as the business education instructor at Juanita High School and then rose to the Assistant Principal position. She later became Principal of Mariner High School for a period of eight years before moving into the Mukilteo School District Office as Director of Staff Development and Special Projects. In 1996 Suzanne accepted the School Superintendent position for Coupeville Schools.
In Coupeville, Suzanne made her deepest impact as Superintendent. She helped instill character education and development within the school district. She fostered engagement between the business community and the District. Numerous businesses displayed the Coupeville School’s “Words to Live By,” which included: Respect, Caring, Responsibility, Contribution, Honesty, Integrity, Courage, Compassion, Cooperation, and Perseverance. Suzanne retired in 2002 but returned to education shortly after as Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership program at Seattle Pacific University.
Suzanne lived a life of service through education. With her heart for kids, contagious smile, and ready laughter, she made friends everywhere she went. She was deeply spiritual and compassionate and raised her children to put others first. Suzanne is survived by her husband Dan and children, Cavan and Zach.
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Online Celebration of Life
Sunday, March 28
1:00 PM Pacific
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Donations in Suzanne’s memory may be made to Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools.
Tears falling…
I graduated from Mariner High school in 1987 and remember her well. She was always incredibly friendly and supportive to all the students. She will certainly be missed and remembered fondly. My condolences to her family.
Thank you Christy. Please feel free to join the ceremony.
Suzanne was a welcome change to our school community, extending and warm. I remember her door was open, and she encouraged collaborative engagement with me as a parent wanting to support the best possible school experience for all our kids in this close-knit, small-but-big-hearted school district. Pretty cool, how many lives she touched with her beautiful light. My heart goes out to her family as they reflect and grieve.
I am filled with a deep sadness for the loss of such an incredible spirit. Sending love, and healing to her loved ones, in long howl for “the Leader of the Pack”.
My heart is saddened and simply, goes out to all her family- she loved you all so deeply… I have been so saddened, not just by Suzanne’s death, but by he last years that have preceded this. What an amazing woman! I remember Suzanne’s smile, something akin to a fist pump in leading our school district meetings, her consistent positive spin on life, and her true generosity of spirit. She took the words ”Open door policy” and put her own true gift to it. … and “gift” she was… as a kind and wise person and a true school leader. She had an ability to make everyone feel special… no matter what walk of life you were from…There are so many more words to describe this wonderful person, but I’ll stop here as things are getting blurry…
I too attended Mariner (class of 88) and remember her fondly. For such a large school, she knew quite a few students on a first-name basis. She had a lasting impact on many. A year or two after graduating, I ran into her in Mill Creek. She was walking the twins in a stroller. While she didn’t remember my name, she remembered me as being a former student. I told her I wanted to become a teacher and shared how she and others at Mariner inspired me. Mrs. Simonson shared the importance of education and what an amazing career choice that would be. I am now in my 26th year teaching in the Mukilteo School District. I have her, along with many other MSD staff, to thank for the blessings my career has brought me. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Please take comfort that you had an amazing mother/wife/friend/family member who helped so many. May God bring you peace.
I remember her as someone who cared deeply about her responsibilities to her family and to the community around her. She was a very special person.
Mary, Thank you for the donation in our Mom’s honor. It means so much to us.
I graduated from Juanita High School in 1976 and she was one of my favorite teachers. I took several classes with Ms. Simonson and was always patient and kind. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Suzanne lived her life in service to others through her strong belief in the potential she saw in everyone. As a school leader, Suzanne inspired her teachers and staff through her innovative, creative and dynamic leadership. You couldn’t help to feel energized when Dr. Bond entered the room, and laughter was always found wherever she was. Her belief in using humor and care spread through our staff, raising everyone’s spirits. I can recall professional development on collaboration based on the fish vendors of the Pike Place Market in Seattle. They shout words of encouragement to each other with each fish toss.
After that training, Dr. Bond would be seen throwing open classroom doors, tossing a giant fabric stuffed-toy salmon, and shouting something great about your class or your students.
The entire class would break into laughter, making everyone feel special. She absolutely changed the Coupeville School District through her leadership. Dr. Bond led us through the difficult challenges of the education reform acts, with clarity and above all compassion for the students we serve. She greatly valued her staff and never forgot to drop a small note of appreciation for an endeavor or achievement in a teacher’s mailbox. It was not uncommon for students to receive personal notes too, with encouraging words from the superintendent. Dr. Bond’s leadership made a very real difference for all students and staff in the Coupeville Schools.
The families of our community were better served with her work with the Children’s Commission and our school foundation. Her dedication to service spread throughout the community, as Suzanne was a member of many organizations, all because she wanted to make a difference.
To know Suzanne personally, meant she and Dan were there to help. For our family, it meant helping us with the challenges of raising our own twin daughters and their big brother. She made sure we knew we could count on her, and Cavan was there to help out. Cavan and Zach were thankfully willing to watch our kids, while we took needed breaks. Her “love in a lunchbox” note cards were a true reflection of her endless creativity in helping our kids succeed. Suzanne was wise and kind and knew what we needed before we did. We will always be so thankful for the difference she made in our lives.
When I first met Suz, she reminded me of humility. Not because she thought of herself as humble but because she thought of herself less and more of others. My prayers are with Zach, Cavan, Dan, friends, and other family members.
Blessings to all.
Suzanne:
Love you a bunch. So sorry you are gone.
Your cousin .
I am so sad to hear of Suzanne’s passing. When I was just a young girl attending Coupeville Elementary, Suzanne took interest in me and my education. I will never forget that she took me out to get ice cream (she even told me to get the waffle cone!) as we took a walk down by the pier.
I am now almost 30 years old and I still remember her smile, patience and how kind she was to me.
Rest in Peace Suzanne- the children you helped throughout your career will always remember your impact. Thank you <3