Susan Lee O'Leary

In the early morning of February 18th, 2025, Susan Lee O’Leary gently passed into heaven at the age of 85 at her residence in Panora, Iowa.

Susan was born in Whitefish, Montana, to Laura and Edwin McKenzie in 1939.

She grew up at Bay Point on Whitefish Lake with her mom, dad and three sisters: Faye, Nancy and Kona. Her fondest childhood memories were cultivated at “The Point,” helping out at the resort her parents owned and riding her horse, Misty.

In 1962, while working at Glacier National Park, Sue met and married Jim Llarinas. They had three children ­– John, Ed and Erin. In 1970 Sue and Jim divorced. She and the children moved to Helena, Montana. She met and married Arthur O’Leary in 1973. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Anchorage, Alaska, where Art would be employed.

Sue loved Alaska almost as much as she loved Art. After 8 years in Anchorage, the family moved to Beaverton, Oregon, in 1982. Once the children had grown up and moved out of the house, Sue and Art moved back to Anchorage in 1992 where Art finished his career as an architect. As time passed and the desire to be closer to family grew stronger, they headed south once more to the “Lower 48,” retiring in Lacey, Washington in 1996. In 2018 Sue made a move to Iowa to be with her daughter Erin and her family. She resided comfortably on beautiful Lake Panorama with her beloved cat, Ebby.

Sue loved to entertain and would invite anyone to a party or dinner. Her table settings were legendary. All who knew her were touched by her joy, hospitality, kindness and love. Sue was most happy when all her family was together, frequently exclaiming, “Can’t we all just live together!” She lived life to the fullest, as expressed in one of her favorite quotes from Mae West, “Too Much of a Good Thing is Fantastic!” Someday, as Sue wished, we will all be back together again in the heavenly realm. But until then, we know she is still loving us and cheering us all on in life.

Susan is preceded in death by her mother and father, Laura and Edwin McKenzie, husband Arthur O’Leary, first husband Jim Llarinas, sisters; Faye Holm and Nancy Garrett and many dear friends who were blessed to have known her.

She is survived by her 3 children, John and wife Lisa, Ed and wife Holly, Erin Merschman and husband Alan, her youngest sister Kona Luke, grandchildren Steven, Jennifer, Kelsey, Abby, Jacob and Joel, and again, countless friends whose lives have been made better for having known and loved Sue.

Services are pending. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Vine Maple Place. This nonprofit helps single mothers with financial, housing assistance and life skills.

Vine Maple Place - 21730 Dorre Don Way SE Maple Valley, WA 98038 - vinemapleplace.org

God gave us an angel to bring us some heaven on earth and now she is back in her father’s arms.