Reprinted with permission from Hoodland Bazaar. Initials used for privacy.
Phoenix, my friend,…
I first met you at yoga. At Zig Zag Zen and Katrina’s classes. When I sprained my ankle really badly you were the first one to tell me I should use turmeric for the inflammation… I was about 24 and had no idea what turmeric was… I bought a lifetime supply from Fubonn in Portland and started making tea with the root.
When I got Luther and he was a puppy I would bring him to the yoga classes I was teaching at ZZZ… you took one look at him and said, that’s a high content wolf dog… I didn’t even know what that meant. You loved him and also had the wisdom from years of having your own hybrids to know I was in for a wild ride. You would tell me stories about your wolf dogs and I looked up to you for your knowledge, experience and your strength.
You were my first egg lady. I would come for the eggs and stay for the conversation and the tours around your funky property and inside your home with all of your birds, art, projects, instruments, do-hickeys and do-dads galore. You were a whole vibe all your own.
I remember when you showed up late to one of Katrina’s yoga classes… bumbling and mumbling in the doorway as you tried your best to enter quietly but that just wasn’t your thing… chuckling to yourself and making asides until eventually Katrina said “hey Phoenix you alight back there??” She laughed and said, “well I had some wine before class so we’ll see how this goes”… she plopped herself on her mat in the way back corner of the room and did her thing… you were funny and real and I respect the shit out of that.
You ran the very first kids booth at our first season of the Hoodland Farmers Market in 2018. You called it the Kidz OM Zone. To give the market that real community energy I really needed someone to run a kids booth and you stepped up to the plate and took off with it. It was so much fun to see and made me feel so supported while bringing the market to life. I needed you and you were there.
We collaborated on multiple projects over the years. I would teach yoga while you played your singing bowls… the entire room would be vibrating with sound… we bathed in your healing powers. We were so lucky. You vended with your crafts and clothing at holiday markets I put together. You were always late and had me wondering if you’d arrive but you’d always show up at the last minute. Your energy and glow was contagious and magnetic. People wanted to be around you.
When I lost my Luther you gave me kind words of strength and support in the way that I needed.
You gave me singing bowls, made me a yoga sign, gave me handmade clothing and yoga mat bags… I am so grateful to still have some pieces of you around my home.
Yesterday around 11:20 a.m. east coast time I thought to myself… I wonder if anyone has checked for you at the place by the yellow gate where people do target practice… it’s right across from your property. I didn’t know why I thought that but I let it go out of my head. I now know that this is where you and your dogs were found.. and I had the thought at the same time James was finding you (8:30am west coast time). I thank you for bringing me that piece of Magic.
I am not only so sad you are gone but I’m so angry at what happened to you and your dogs, your guardians. I wish I could be closer to the mountain community at this time. Witnessing how you all came together from afar, your efforts spreading farther, wider and better than what the police were offering. So much of my heart still lives there with you all. What a bunch of badasses. True mountain spirit.
Rest in power, Phoenix… you will not be forgotten and we will not rest until that POS is brought to justice. – Lauren W.
Notes from
Hoodland Bazaar memorial
“Phoenix, Susan, you touched my soul, my family’s soul. My daughter loves you. I love you. You will live on in the flames that warm our hearts” – R.
“May God bless you in eternity” – J.
“One 45 minute conversation + I’ll always remember you with love. May you be blessed in your transition and your coming journeys.” – L.
“Dearest Phoenix, I only met you once, but you are unforgettable. I am so saddened to hear what happened to you. May Justice Prevail and your fae heart be free and joyous.” – D.
“We miss and love you Phoenix!” – M. & J.
“I didn’t know you for long but the few moments in your presence was like knowing you for a long time. Bless you and your loved ones.”
“Phoenix was ‘this store.’ Everyone she met became her friend. We will miss her dearly.” – S. Family
“Dearest beautiful sister Phoenix. I will miss you and your positivity that you texted me every now and then for no reason. I really enjoyed our hike together and the deep conversation I will miss. The community will take care of your boys. RIP.” – K.
“You always made me feel welcome. I will miss you and your kindness” – A.
“Phoenix, I only met you a few times. But you left a mark. You were a bright light and will be missed.” – B.
“Phoenix, thank you for your kindness always, every time I talked with you. Thank you for the sound bath.” – L.
“I met Phoenix when I was little at the farmers market. No matter how much I grew up, she always said hi. I will never forget how kind and welcoming she was.” – C.
“Walking around and seeing how much you impact so many lives in such a positive way, to me you’re a role model and the community will always show how important you are, Phoenix.” – A.
“We connected first because I saw your beautiful dogs in your pick up truck at the Fred Meyer in Sandy. As the companion of wolf dogs myself, I was drawn to them and to you. Later I spoke with you several times at the Hoodland Bazaar without realizing (at first) that I’d met you before. When I bought a very special puzzle box for one of my best and oldest friends, you offered to wrap it for me — just as a gift. Thank you for being the kindness and light you were in the world.” – A.
“My family and I did not know Phoenix well; however, she was a well known face around the community. My first time speaking with her was almost a year ago. I had come into the store with my two sons. We shared a chuckle over raising sons. She promised me things would smooth out one day. I’m so grateful for my memories of her. She will never be forgotten.” – H.
“I never knew Phoenix very well, I’m just a local and I’ve been through the Bazaar a few times. Every time I saw her and talked to her she always had a smile on her face. She was always kind and never once rude or impatient, and from what I’ve heard tonight that’s just how she was. I know I’m still just a kid, but she is one of the brightest people I’ve met. For her family and friends, you are all strong and the best thing to do is to never let her light die. Never let her love fade, or forget her smile. She will look down at everyone and smile, I’m sure of it.” – A.
“You are going to be missed so much. You were a beautiful person inside and out. Always in our hearts.” – D. & B.
“Phoenix, I love you so much. I didn’t get to spend enough time with you. Now you’re gone and I miss you even more. I always have looked forward to seeing you when I could.” – G.
“Phoenix, thank you for being a friend when I didn’t know I needed one. Thank you for everything you did for us. We will miss you.”
“Phoenix, you were so helpful with me while in the shop. You were one kind soul. I am so sorry.” – T.
“I am so sorry. It was a pleasure to work with you for the short time we did. Your positivity, energy and kindness will forever stay with me. Thank you for helping me pick out the perfect gifts for my sister. I don’t know what to say. You will be missed. So much love goes out to you, your friends and family. I am so sorry.” – E.
“As I sit here shedding tears for you, I know your energy is here with us and you feel happy. Thank you for always being patient with my son, even when it was a challenge. You gave us so much guidance. We will cherish the stones you helped us pick and the sound baths.”
“I miss Susan! So much she did so much for me, she was so nice. I wish she could come back”
“Dear Finix, I am so so sorry for your loss. I really miss you. I wish you could come back. I love you always.”
“Thank you for running such an incredible store! I have bought and been gifted so many beautiful things from your store. I will always miss you dearly.”
“I am so sorry. Whenever I came here she was always working and would always help me.”
“Beloved Phoenix, what to say? Your beautiful, bright light went out too soon. I’ll miss your smile, laughter and hugs. There’s a special place in my heart for you and your joy. May your soul soar and dance along with your beloved dogs.” – G.
“We love you, sweet Phoenix! I met you at the Hoodland Farmers Market and attended one of your magical sound baths. You had so many gifts. Your magic lives on.”
“My heart is sad for the 3 of you. May your spirits find peace in this time of pain.” – T.
“Dear Phoenix, you welcomed me and my family into your world. You showed us the sound bath and educated us on various stones and their meaning. We love you.” – J. & E.
“Dear Phoenix, we first met you on Halloween 2023. Your costume was so amazing. We continued to see you every time we came for rocks and crystals. So unfortunate Halloween 2024 was so rainy. We did not get to come and visit. If only we had known, we would have come. I wish we had come to know you better. I wish we could have helped you.”
“So you came into my life… in this space… with grace and giving. You touched and doctored those from this place of your heart. How deeply rooted your care and concern for others for mending my brother’s necklace and the spirit you gifted this sacred piece will forever embrace me and my heart.” – H.
“My dear friend, forever in my heart and only a thought away. We will meet again.” – M.
“Thank you for your light and love. You will always live in our hearts.” – F. & Y.
“Dear Phoenix, rest in peace my dear. It will take time for the community to heal but you will never be forgotten. We met you once and knew you were a gem. May you and your dogs be free and running in heaven. And know the community is helping your sons. You picked a great place to live.” -B.