Susan Elting Humes

Sue is remembered for her inspiring creativity, constant willingness to lend a hand, and her irreplaceable sense of humor. Her absence is felt in the delicious baked goods she made, the helpful advice she would offer on any craft project you mentioned, and the spontaneous family excursions she’d come up with. Her generosity and wit was only ever a 45-minute phone call away. Sue was born in Tacoma, Washington on July 28th 1961 to Jim and Cathy Elting and was the fourth of seven children. Her family moved to Oregon City, Oregon not too long after, where Sue attended St. John the Apostle School and Oregon City High School. She attended Western Oregon University, where she studied education and met her former husband Craig Humes. The two were married for 15 years. Sue was a longtime resident of North Portland, where she began her teaching career at Holy Cross Catholic School. She was also a member of the Holy Cross parish. Sue’s lifelong passion for enriching the lives of children was reflected in her 30+ years of teaching at schools within the Archdiocese of Portland and at the Community Transitional School, as well as her volunteer work with the Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children. Once, Sue and her sister Mary tried to figure out exactly how many kids she’d taught over the years. They couldn’t come up with a good number– she’d taught too many classes and subjects. What we do know is that her positive impact on former students continues to ripple through her community and will for years to come. She is survived by her child Pine, her mother Cathy, her siblings Mary, Ann, Eileen, Tom, Janet, and Julie, and her many nieces and nephews. The world is a little emptier without her jokes, anecdotes, and ability to ponder the pros and cons of any situation. We ask you to join in the conversation as she would’ve wanted, and share any memories you may have. Everyone has a story about Sue, and we’d love to hear them all. Sue will be buried at St. John the Apostle Cemetery in Oregon City, Oregon, after Mass. Her service will take place at 10:30 on Thursday, August 24th at St. John the Apostle Church. A short reception for the family will follow. Donations in memory of Sue can be made to St. John the Apostle School in Oregon City, or Holy Cross Catholic School in North Portland. The family thanks you for wearing a mask at the funeral.

Susan Elting Humes

July 28, 1961 - August 12, 2023