Susan Jane Taylor-Greene

Susan Taylor-Greene, 69, passed away at her home on Henderson Bay near Gig Harbor, WA on November 3rd. Susan was born and grew up in Bremerton, WA. She was the youngest of 4 children born to Webster and Helen (Thwaite) Taylor. She graduated from West High in 1965. She married Michael Driscoll and they had three beautiful children. Between 1978 and 1988, Susan earned her B.A. and Masters Degree from the College of Education at Central Washington University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and her Ph. D. from the University of Oregon. While excelling in her academic endeavors, she set a fine example for her children and they felt her love, care, and devotion. Susan's early work in education (1974-1985) was teaching and directing programs in the Bremerton and Central Kitsap School Districts. After receiving her doctorate, Susan worked for Fern Ridge School District in Elmira, OR (1989-2003). There she was the Director of Special Education, Assistant Middle School Principal, & Middle School Principal. In 2003, Susan became the Superintendent of the McKenzie School District, Oregon. She retired in 2007 and moved with her husband, John, to Washington. Her dream was to have a home on Puget Sound, a garden to tend, to be closer to her family, and to enjoy travel and adventures with John. Her dream came true. Susan was an outstanding educator, administrator & consultant, who had a positive effect on all of those she worked alongside, especially students and colleagues. Susan's efforts were recognized locally, state wide and nationally. At Fern Ridge, the "High Five" program she helped develop became a national model for promoting positive student behavior. It received the Curriculum of the Year Award from the Oregon School Board, a meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of Education, and numerous keynote speaking engagements around the country. Among her many honors were Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award and Exellence in Leadership Award from the College of Education at University of Oregon. Susan is survived by her daughter, Audrey (Driscoll) & Larry Farr with grandchildren Abbigail, Rick, and Kelli Farr of Bellingham, WA; son, Andrew Driscoll & Nina Herbst of Eugene, OR; daughter, Carolyn Driscoll & Peter Epperson with grandchildren Lauren & David Schutt and Rose & Carter Epperson of Lacey, WA; sister, Alyce & Doug Brandner of Des Moines, WA; brother, John & Bonnie Taylor of Bremerton WA; and soulmate and husband, John Greene of Gig Harbor, WA. She will be remembered for her love of the beach, flowers, gardening, her zest for life and most of all her unconditional love of family and friends. No public services will be held. Remembrances can be made to: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center 1100Fairview Ave N / Mail Stop J5-200 Seattle,WA 98109