Daily Sitka Sentinel

Suzanne Wilstam

Suzanne Wilstam

Suzanne Wilstam (previously Sabath) passed away in Eureka, California, on March 14, 2018, at the age of 75.
Suzanne was born July 3, 1942, at the Naval Air Station Hospital (now the Naval Air Station North Island) in San Diego. Her father, Lt. Cmdr. Alfred Wilstam Jr. died in a wartime accident at Barber’s Point, O’ahu, Territory of Hawaii, in 1943. Her mother, Dorothy Deane (Hunt) Wilstam, died in 1992.
Suzanne and her only sibling, Lani, were raised in Coronado, California, by her mother and beloved grandmother, Miriam “Mimi” Hunt. In 1952, the family moved to Porterville, California, where she graduated from Porterville High School in 1960.
After graduation, Suzanne attended Porterville College, and later transferred to San Francisco State University, where she studied psychology, and performed in classical music ensembles on campus.
Suzanne married her Porterville neighbor Allen Bain in 1964, and together they had three children: David, Doug, and Amy. Suzanne and Allen divorced in 1979.
In 1981, she married her second husband, Fritz Sabath. The family moved to Massachusetts for a business opportunity and lived there for three years. In the mid 1980s, the family moved back to Eureka, and then to Los Angeles, where Suzanne worked in a number of occupations, including a position as a victim’s advocate for families affected by homicide, a job she truly valued.
The chance to purchase a McDonald’s franchise prompted Suzanne and Fritz to move to Sitka, where they owned and operated the McDonald’s restaurant for about 10 years. They enjoyed their time in Sitka, adopting several wolf-hybrid dogs and even handing out dog treats through the drive-through window at their restaurant.
In 2000, she and Fritz left Sitka to move to Eureka, where they opened a new bar and café, The Saffire Rose. Amid the economic downturn, they reluctantly closed the cafe and in 2007 divorced. Fritz Sabath passed away in 2009.
Suzanne lived a fulfilling life as a mother, sister, wife, and friend. She was known for her great sense of humor and concern for others. Throughout her life Suzanne wore many hats – entrepreneur, victims advocate, small business owner, classical singer, and avid volunteer. Her greatest joys in life included her family, caring for animals, travel, and music. 
She is survived by her sister, Lani Blazer; children David Bain (Martin Keleti), Doug Bain, and Amy Bain (Graham Horwood); granddaughters Mackenzie Bain, Lily Bradley and Sloane Horwood; step-granddaughter Ashley Moraitis; and many nieces and nephews, and their children.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services. Those wishing to honor her life can make a donation in her name to a local mental health organization or community animal shelter.