January 1, 2026, Seward Folly

Susan Lynn Simonds-McHone, age 65, passed away on December 21, 2025. She was born on September 14, 1960, in Woodland, California, to Wayne Glenn Simonds and Viola Beryl Simonds (Hall).

Susie moved to Alaska as a baby and spent the majority of her life in the Moose Pass/Seward area, places she deeply loved and proudly called home. In late 2018, Susie and her husband, Michael, retired and relocated to Wisconsin, where they settled on a hobby farm filled with flowers, gardens, dogs, cats, chickens, and horses.

Susie dedicated her life to serving others. Her commitment to helping people began early, working alongside her father with the U.S. Forest Service doing campground and trail maintenance. That passion grew into more than 30 years of combined service as an EMT with the Seward Ambulance Corps and as a firefighter with the Seward Fire Department. Her compassion, strength, and steady presence left a lasting impact on her community and all who had the privilege of working beside her.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Susie embraced Alaska’s wild beauty whenever she could. She found joy in dog mushing, blueberry picking, fishing, skijoring, horseback riding, camping, gardening, and long walks in the woods with her dogs. Nature was her refuge, her playground, and her peace. When she was not outdoors, she found great joy in creating at her sewing machine. Every piece she made reflected her remarkable talent and artistic eye. 

Susie is survived by her husband, Michael McHone; her children, Shani (Kris), Tarrah (Doug), and Travis (Sarah); her stepchildren, Brian (Kristina) and Dustin (Kaylah); and her cherished grandchildren: Calysta, Teyla, Jonas, Abi, Dominick, Bexley, Brody, Lorelai, Elias, Mason, Arlo, Trace, an upcoming baby boy, and great-grandson Jack. She is also survived by her siblings Skip, Richard (Charlene), Sharon (Rick), and Stormi, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held this upcoming summer in Seward, Alaska. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Susie by grabbing your favorite cup of coffee and spending some time outside — just as she would have loved.