Suzanne Allred, 70

Suzanne Leslie Allred, 70, died peacefully on Aug. 25, 2025, at Hope Hospice Center in Missoula, just three days after leaving her condo in Polson.

Suzanne was born in Hamilton on Jan. 31, 1955, to Roland and Doris Gray. She lived with her parents in Montana, California, Alaska and Washington before moving to Vancouver, B.C., where her brother, Ted, was born on Oct. 26, 1966. She loved and adored her brother.

Suzanne graduated from Friday Harbor High School and Western Washington University. She was a devoted wife for 40 years and loving mother to her son, Dustin.

Suzanne’s grandchildren, Bryce and Bella (mom Brandi) and Tanner (mom Breezy) were the loves of her life and her greatest joy. She cherished every moment with them and shared close relationships with their mothers.

Suzanne had a special place in her heart for children and animals. She worked at Head Start and the Boys and Girls Club of Flathead Reservation and Lake County. She helped to organize and start the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, where she worked to save the lives of many animals and had a difficult time not bringing them all home with her.

Suzanne was an inspiration to all who had the honor of knowing and loving her. She lived with metastatic breast cancer for more than 16 years. Even during those years, she continued to travel all over the world and particularly loved being in Asia with her brother and dear friend, Glady Tung.

Suzanne’s group of close friends, “The Girls,” met monthly for decades. She was the anchor and peacemaker, always bringing light and a listening heart to their gatherings. Her friends enjoyed many trips with her to Hawaii, California, Vermont, Nevada and Arizona.

Suzanne had a gentle nature, compassionate heart and positive spirit. She loved spending time with family, friends and neighbors. She made friends easily and kept them.

When Suzanne’s son was in high school, they housed a foreign exchange student, Carole Fung, who still calls her mom and whose children call her grandma. Suzanne was thrilled to have reconnected with Carole and her family in person when she and her brother traveled to Hong Kong.

Suzanne had a true gift of bringing out the best in others and making them feel better about themselves. She loved being outside, hiking, swimming and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Doris Gray, and many beloved dogs and cats.

Suzanne is survived by son Dustin (Breezy) Allred; brother Ted Gray; grandchildren, Bryce, Bella and Tanner; bonus daughter, Brandi (Dave) Clark; cousin Donna Gray; and countless friends (two and four-legged).

Suzanne's family and friends wish to thank the compassionate staff at the Providence Montana Cancer Center, Hope Hospice Center, St Joseph Medical Center, and Partners in Home Care.     Suzanne Allred