Community Spotlight: Susan Naanes

Nordic Northwest’s Community Spotlights celebrate the valuable contributions, enthusiasm, and achievements of members in the Nordic community. Thank you to all of our dedicated and supportive community members!

Susan Naanes has been an enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer with Nordic Northwest since becoming a member in 2021. Over the years, she has contributed to numerous events and committees, including the Nordic Vintage & Treasure Sale, ScanFair, Viking Beer Fest, and the Nordic Coffee Hour, as well as providing lunches for the Ole Bolle Troll construction crew.

She currently serves on the Nordic Cuisine Committee, where she enjoys preparing recipes and planning culinary events. She loves volunteering because it connects her with new people and allows her to explore Scandinavian culture, food, and language.

Originally from Champaign, IL, Susan, the youngest of three sisters, earned her Computer Science degree from the University of Alaska in 1982. After retiring in 2016 from Providence Health Plan, she has more free time to follow her passions and hobbies. Susan loves sewing, hiking, fishing, cooking, and traveling. She is also active in fighting for climate justice, volunteering for Washington County Tree Keepers, Elsie Stuhr Center, and other local causes.

Susan’s favorite Nordic holiday is Syttende Mai (Norwegian Constitution Day) because of its celebration of freedom, and her favorite word in Norwegian is "kjaerlighet," meaning love and affection. Inspired by her daughter Debi, Susan continues to learn and stay connected to her Scandinavian roots and hopes to visit Iceland one day.

Thank you, Susan, for your all of your help and support!