Yakima, WA, Washington - Susan Jennie (Howell) Easterbrooks, 74, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, in Yakima, WA. Her family was by her side. Susan was born on May 22, 1951, in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, to Wilson and Selma Howell.

She was the youngest of three children and spent her days romping around the hay fields and dairy barn of the Howell farm or exploring the lush forests and swimming in Center Pond, which sat across the street from her family farm in Sangerville, ME. She was a "daddy's girl" to the core, but also learned the love of sewing, cooking, and canning from her mother, something she tried to pass onto her own daughters.

Susan graduated high school from Piscataquis Community High School in Guildford, ME, in 1969 where she was a cheerleader, played clarinet in the band, was an active member of yearbook and FHA club, and was crowned winter carnival queen her junior year. She moved to Los Altos Hills, California, to attend Foothill College, later finishing her nursing degree at the Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in Bangor, ME, in 1973.

In May 1975, Susan's sister, Brenda, set her up on a blind date with the "cute guy from upstairs" in her apartment building, and the rest was history. John and Susan spent a whirlwind summer romance that led to their wedding on November 30th. Just a month later, the two packed up a U-Haul and struck out on a cold cross-country trip, ending in Moscow, ID, where John was starting his master's program at the University of Idaho. The two started their family in Idaho, welcoming their oldest, Shannon. They later moved to Olympia, WA, and had their youngest, Lindsay. They moved their family to Yakima, WA, in 1984, where they have resided to this day. Susan built a life centered on family, kindness, and steadfast love, and was deeply devoted to those closest to her throughout her life. Susan was an avid reader and had a long career as an LPN nurse. She enjoyed traveling with John and spending time with friends in her book club and bunco group. Susan will also be remembered for her excellent cooking and baking skills, her love and devotion to her pets, and the warmth and care she shared with all who knew her. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She is survived by her beloved husband of more than 50 years, John A. Easterbrooks; her daughters, Shannon M. Easterbrooks of Ferndale, WA, and Lindsay S. (Easterbrooks) Brown of Tigard, OR; son-in-law, Kevin M. Brown; and cherished grandchildren, Emmett John Sampson and Haven Mae Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Wilson Howell and Selma Iona (Bonsey) Howell of Sangerville, ME; her sister, Brenda (Howell) Maguire; and her brother, Jim Howell.

A celebration of life gathering will be held in her honor later this year.