Susan Sasano Obituary – The Statesman Journal

Susan (Susu) Keiko Sasano, 67 of Woodburn succumbed to cancer on November 17, 2025. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by loved ones. Susu was born in Honolulu Hawaii and graduated from Farrington High School in 1976. She moved to Oregon to attend Oregon State University, earning her Master of Education – Adaptive Physical Education in 1985. Susu worked as an educator/coach with an emphasis on youth sports. Although she worked some at the collegiate level, her passion always led her back to the encouragement and development of youth. She worked, coached and volunteered in Salem, Silverton, Mt. Angel, Woodburn and surrounding communities. Her longevity in the field found her coaching/teaching second generations. Susu’s focus was not on winning but on sportsmanship, responsibility, accountability and respect. These traits are how Susu carried herself in life. The single best word to describe Susu would be JOY. She exuded Joy wherever she went and shared that Joy with whomever was fortunate to cross her path. She had an amazing knack of recalling names, faces, birthdays, anniversaries and any other special occasion. Though never expecting anything in return, she often showed up with a pastry or thoughtful gift. Her best gift, however, was simply her presence. Although she left Hawaii, her Aloha Spirit stayed with her. Over the years she returned to Hawaii on multiple occasions to see the Aunties, Uncles, childhood friends and Farrington classmates. After leaving Hawaii the Oregon Coast became her happy place. She was particularly fond of the beaches and communities of Rockaway and Newport.

Susu was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Harriet Sasano and sister Sandra “Sachi” Nakano. She leaves behind a large and meaningful group of friends, loved ones, and “adopted” families. Those families include but are not limited to; Emerson/Iverson, Keller/Hogue, and Veysey/Elmore, two nephews; Sean Nakano, San Francisco, and Chad Nakano, Minneapolis.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm, Aloha attire strongly encouraged. Financial contributions can be made to: Sacred Heart School at shstl.org ALL proceeds will benefit youth athletics and the physical education department at Sacred Heart Catholic school in Gervais-St.

Unger Funeral Chapel in Silverton is handling final arrangements.