Suzanne Marie Nakai

Suzanne Marie Nakai, beloved mother, stepmother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on May 12, 2025, at the age of 82—exactly 25 years to the day after the passing of her beloved husband, Mitsuru. True to form, she did so on her own terms, surrounded by memories, love, and peace.

Born March 27, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Emil and Mildred Krech, Suzanne lived a full and colorful life. From an early age, she was drawn to the arts—an expressive spirit who loved drawing, music, theatre, and dancing. That creativity and joy stayed with her throughout her life.

Suzanne’s career path was as dynamic as she was. She worked as a key punch operator, school nurse, executive assistant, private investigator, political activist, and was part of the team behind the Magellan spacecraft that went to Venus. Later in life, she returned to school and earned a degree in Women’s Studies, which led to work and volunteer efforts at women’s shelters—an endeavor she considered one of her most meaningful.

She published a local anti-Vietnam War newspaper, was active in progressive causes, and volunteered for the Obama campaign. Through each chapter, she carried herself with resilience and conviction. Suzanne was a woman of strength, determination, and fierce love—qualities she passed on to her children and stepchildren.

In 1983, Suzanne married the love of her life, Mitsuru Nakai. They met on the dance floor at Ollie’s Round Up, and their shared joy for dancing was just one of many bonds. Together, they brought together a blended family full of laughter, love, and a fair bit of good-natured chaos.

Suzanne was an avid reader—rarely seen without a book in hand—and her home has been filled, emptied and refilled with book many times, it was a testament to a lifetime of curiosity and thought. She had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, from her Great Pyrenees Charlie, her crazy Labrador D.O.G, and all the little ones, including Cassie, Goldie, Sadie. Her life was always enriched by their companionship. Just weeks ago, she was considering adopting another.

She was known by many names—Suzanne, Sue, SuzyQ, even Sam—each marking a different season of her vibrant life.

She is survived by her son Michael; stepchildren Steve, Julie, and Scott; son-in-law Ric; grandchildren Garret, Rebecca, Beau, Cody, and Jessica; and great-grandchildren Isabella, Aria, Malia, Wyatt, Noah, Maverick, and Jaylah, as well as her niece Reagan. She was preceded in death by her husband Mitz, brother Steve, daughter Dawn, and stepdaughter Karen—all of whom she held dearly in her heart.

We will miss her love, her wisdom, her grit, and her endless encouragement.

A private interment will be held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery on June 16 at 1 p.m., where her ashes will be laid to rest beside Mitz. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ASPCA in her honor.

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