Holy Family of Jesus Episcopal Church

On behalf of Holy Family of Jesus Episcopal Church, I, Sovanny, have set up this GoFundMe to honor Susan Marie Bernstein by helping cover the costs of her Celebration of Life Service.

Sue Bernstein passed away at home on August 15, 2024 due to medical complications. Her loss is deeply felt by all who knew and loved her.

A little about Sue:

For over 30 years, Sue Bernstein dedicated her heart and hands to the Holy Family of Jesus Cambodian Episcopal Church in Tacoma, Washington. Sue was an early advocate for the church’s community gardens, planted in 1996, which became a lifeline for Cambodian refugees who had escaped the horrors of war in their homeland. She also helped put together the Salishan Garden. These gardens served as a place of healing and peace, a way for the community to reconnect with the farming traditions of their past, offering a tangible link to the soil and solace for the soul.

Sue was passionate about creating a space where neighbors from all backgrounds—Cambodians, Vietnamese, Laotians, Samoans, and others—could grow food, share stories, and build lasting bonds. She believed in the power of the land to heal, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually. The gardens became a hub for community and faith, where even non-congregation members found peace and purpose through gardening, contributing to the shared meals for the elderly and engaging in joyful gatherings like the fall corn roasts.

Sue’s vision extended beyond gardening; she believed deeply in the church’s mission to serve as both a place of worship and a cornerstone for the surrounding community. She worked tirelessly to connect the gardens to local initiatives, ensuring that the communal space flourished as a place of hope and connection.

Sue’s dedication to the community also shined brightest through her love for children. She established the Eastside 4-H club, empowering kids to learn entrepreneurship by selling honey at events and farmers markets across Tacoma. She didn’t just teach business skills; she showed them how to market, network, and build lasting relationships. She had many volunteers at the Tacoma Farmers Market every Thursday in the summer. For many it became one of their most cherished memories of her and of their experiences. Sue opened doors for so many, offering countless opportunities they remain forever grateful for.

In Sue's memory, we hope to continue the legacy she lovingly nurtured for decades. Her dedication reminds us that planting seeds of kindness and community can grow into a beautiful, lasting harvest. We invite you to honor Sue by supporting the continuation of this vital community garden and the work she championed.

Thank you for your donation and any remaining funds will be used to settle her unpaid expenses, cover estate cleaning costs, and support the continuation of the community garden she cared so deeply about. Your contributions, no matter the size, will help ensure Sue’s legacy lives on in the community she loved and served. Thank you for your kindness and support.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at:

Holy Family of Jesus Episcopal Church

1427 E 40th St

Tacoma, WA 98404

Date: October 12, 2024

Time: 9:30 AM