Suzanne Blair Thorndike peacefully passed on Thursday morning, May 21st, at the age of 85 after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Suzy -- as she was known to most -- lived a full life and will be remembered for her compassion, dedication, focus, sense of humor, and smile.She was born the daughter of famous aviator Charles F. Blair and his wife Janice on June 16th, 1934, in Rutland, Vermont. Up until age six, Suzy lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where her father had secured a copilot job with Boeing Air Transport, flying the Chicago to San Francisco routes for the collection of airlines known as United Air Lines. From time to time she would accompany her father on his flights, and, on one occasion, spent the whole trip happily chatting with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1940 the family moved to New York, where her father had joined the fledgling American Export Airlines as chief pilot, flying transatlantic routes. Ultimately they settled in Port Washington on Long Island. Vacations were mostly spent at her grandparents' homes in Vermont.
It was while attending Colorado College in Colorado Springs in 1952 that she met the love of her life, Walter Thorndike. After marrying in 1956, the couple moved to the hills above Oakland for a time, before moving to Honolulu in 1963 with their son, Blair, followed by daughter, Paige, in 1966.
In addition to being an attentive and loving mother, dedicated wife and cherished friend to many, Suzy was also deeply involved with Honolulu politics. From her early days serving with the League of Women Voters, to her years working with many of the Republican Senators, to her time serving in the Legislative Reference Bureau, Suzy made her mark on Hawaii's political landscape. In her free time, she played tennis, enjoyed sailing, gardening, and entertaining at the family's long-time Black Point home. She is survived by her husband Walter, daughter Paige, son Blair (Lisa Hutchinson) and brothers Christopher, Charles Lee, and Steven. She will rest in eternity at Diamond Head Memorial Park, with a memorial service to be held sometime in the Fall.
Arrangements Provided By:
Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel
