Obituary of Sue Ann Mowry

Longtime Portland resident Sue Ann Mowry (age 76) passed away on November 10, 2019 after an extended illness.Sue was born in Okanogan, WA to Clair and Dorthea Greeley on January 2, 1943. She graduated from Okanogan HS in 1961, and received her BS degree in Police Science & Administration from Washington State University in 1965. Sue initially worked as an undercover theft investigator in New York, and then as a policewoman with the Portland PD. It was soon after that she discovered her life's true calling as a crisis intervention counselor for Portland Youth Advocates, working with runaway children in placing them in foster care. Sue possessed the rare gift of being able to selflessly provide the love, structure, and guidance that was missing from the lives of many of Portland's troubled youth, a trait that emanated from deep within her soul. In 1972, Sue married Richard Mowry and she served as a foster care caseworker in Pittsburgh and Houston for the first several years of their marriage. In 1975, Sue and Dick relocated to Portland and together they ran the alternative high school Lents Education Center (LEC), working tirelessly to address the social and educational needs of young people who had become disillusioned or abandoned by the education system. Sue continued her service to troubled youth at LEC after her husband died, and she served as the Program Director of Janus Youth Programs at the school until her retirement. Sue's desire to help others also extended beyond the workplace, and she served as a volunteer in delivering both gifts and food baskets to those in need during the Christmas season.Understanding and addressing the needs of others came to define Sue. Sue was an avid gardener, and employed her green thumb talents in creating beautiful rock and flower gardens wherever she lived. She enjoyed providing plant "starts" to friends and family, leaving each of them with a little reminder of her joy for life. She practiced Tai Chi, loved traveling, enjoyed trips to the ocean with family, and especially loved to read. She was a compassionate lover of animals, a trait recognized by a neighborhood cat named Toby, who adopted her. Sue was loved, admired, and respected by all who knew her for her selfless generosity and her dedication to anyone who needed a helping hand.She leaves behind a void that will be hard to fill. Sue is survived by her sister Patricia Sheets (Okanogan, WA) and the following nieces and nephews: Pamela Botchek (Spokane, WA), Cameon Raby (Medical Lake, WA), Kelly Sheets (Omak, WA), Stacey Sheets (Osoyoos, BC), Casey Lyons (Ferndale, WA), and Lisa Lyons (Lake Stevens, WA). She was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, and a sister, Mary Lou Lyons. She will be laid to rest at the Okanogan Cemetery in Okanogan, and memorial services are to be held at a later date to be determined by the family. Memorial donations can be made in Sue's name to the Janus Scholarship Fund (707 NE Couch Street;Portland, OR;97232), or to an animal shelter of your choice. Crown Memorial Center (Portland OR) is in charge of arrangements, and you may visit Sue's online memorial and leave condolences (and light a "virtual" candle) at www.crowncremationburial.com/obituaries.