Suellen Metke, 75, passed away on May 17, 2019, in Olympia, Washington.

Born in Aberdeen, Washington, she was the youngest daughter of Alvin and Mary Dick. The family of six, including her treasured siblings, Phyllis Miller, Dorothy Cox and Alvin Dick Jr. lived on “The Ranch” out on the East Hoquiam Road with plenty of relatives always around.

Suellen graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1962 and then attended Grays Harbor College.

She married a lovely Montesano boy, Paul Metke on March 13, 1965. Soon after, their children, Lisa, Christopher and Mary arrived making their life complete. The family of five had lots of fun growing up on Cherry Street in Aberdeen where Suellen made being a dedicated, loving wife and mother her very top priority.

There were many fun vacations and lots of school and sporting events attended, but the most treasured were just the simple trips to Black Lake where all her Croatian relatives from far and wide would get together at their family compound and celebrate the love of life and family.

Suellen was a natural-born artist and her talent to decorate called her in a different direction after successfully raising their children, Paul and Sue opened Memory Lane in Hoquiam, which turned into something much bigger. They purchased the 1905 Aberdeen Masonic Temple building to house her magnificent wares. It was quite an undertaking, now her attention to detail and designer’s eye were on display for all to admire in her beautiful store. Customers and friends from near and far would make the drive to purchase extraordinary interiors from Suellen and her Midas touch. Her enchanted Christmas open houses will go down in Aberdeen history.

Suellen is survived by her adoring husband, Paul Metke, who she has been married to for 54 years; three wonderful children, Lisa McElliott and her husband, Steve, grandchildren, Ryan, Finn Patrick and Reagan; Christopher Metke and his wife, Amber, grandchildren, Miles, Jake and Drew; Mary Craig and her husband, Darrell, grandchildren, Darryl, Chandler and Jack as well as other relatives.

Nanny loved her grandkids to the moon and back and was always at every sporting event, band concert and play, with Poppy, enjoying every minute of it.

There will be a celebration remembering Suellen’s beautiful life Sunday, June 2, 2019, at 2 p.m., at the Grand Heron in Aberdeen, Washington.

Memorial donations in Suellen’s name can be sent to: Aberdeen Downtown Bloom Team, c/o Aberdeen Revitalization, PO Box 1593, Aberdeen, WA 98520.

Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary, 422 Fifth St. in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.