Suzanne Amelia Browning

Suzanne Amelia Browning passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at the age of 83, surrounded by her children.

Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Suzanne spent her childhood years in Rhode Island and California. The third of five siblings, she treasured summers by the ocean—memories she carried with her throughout life, influencing her passion for nature photography.

On April 4, 1964, she married Michael Browning, beginning a partnership that would guide the chapters of their lives for more than four decades. Together, they would welcome three beautiful children into their family; first Troy who was sadly stillborn at birth in 1966. The Lord soon after soothed their broken hearts with the arrival of son, Torin, in 1967 and daughter, Margaret, in 1969.

In 1971, their family moved to the Tri‑Cities region in southeastern Washington, and in 1979, they relocated to their beloved property on Scarcello Road, north of Rathdrum, Idaho. There, they embraced country living—raising, at different times, turkeys, dogs, rabbits, ducks, goats,

pigs, a cow, and a horse—creating a lively and active home. Suzanne was constantly cooking home cooked meals, canning, gardening, and sewing. She was a homemaker at heart.

Eager to learn and grow, Suzanne returned to college in 1983, earning an Associate of Science degree in Medical Office Administration. She went on to work at a local title company before joining the Kootenai County Recorder’s Office, where she served faithfully until her retirement.

A woman of many creative talents, Suzanne expressed herself through sewing, cake decorating, photography, writing, and a fascination with computer technology. She enjoyed making dolls, delighted in ice skating, and had a lifelong appreciation for sporty cars. Practical yet whimsical, she was instantly recognizable by her signature look: a strawberry blonde bun, denim overalls, and crisp white shoes.

As a devoted mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother, Suzanne’s greatest legacies were the love she gave her family and her relationship with Jesus Christ. In her own self-written life account, she highlights the people she loved so much, the challenges, the heartbreaks, and the life-changing redemption of Jesus Christ in 1978 through the ministry of Billy Graham.

Friends and family will remember her home-cooked food, hand-made crafts, beautifully decorated cakes, and photographs capturing the people she loved and the beauty of the place she lived and worked. They’ll recall her immense creativity, the sparkle in her eyes for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her love for Jesus. Suzanne will be remembered for her service to her family and spunky, unique personality.

She is survived by her children—Torin Browning of Rathdrum, Idaho, and Margaret Tisher of Libby, Montana—and by her grandchildren: James Aarstad (Hayden, Idaho), Kurtlynn McAlister

(Big Fork, Montana), Tanian Browning (Meridian, Idaho), and Talia Schnider (Rathdrum, Idaho). She also leaves behind several great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael; her parents; and two of her siblings.

In honor of Suzanne, family and close friends will hold a graveside gathering in the Spring/Summer of 2026 to share stories, photos, and memories.