Susan Marie Brent

Preach the gospel at all times. Sometimes use words.

The words used by those who knew her to describe Susan Marie Brent are a catalogue of good character traits: kind, hardworking, selfless, grace under pressure, public servant, loving mother and grandmother, faithful wife, loyal friend. Some don’t know she was also a drummer. A calm school principal by day, banging away on drums and percussion in clubs in the evening. But it fits. Sue was the one who kept everybody going in the right direction with her solid steady instinct for what’s right, and did it with style.

In 35 years as an educator Sue’s professional work in Portland Public Schools spanned decades and half a dozen job titles. Although her roles changed, her approach to schooling and kids was steadfast. Sue’s longtime friend and professional colleague Pam Shelly recalls, “She believed in collaboration, and worked with other administrators, staff, and kids, to create good change. Sue was smart, a reflective thinker with a selfless work ethic, deeply committed to public schooling.“

Her resume with Portland public schools included decades as a classroom teacher, stints as an administrator, principal, and bond liaison for multi million dollar renovation projects. Her postings were at Wilson and Cleveland High Schools, Metropolitan Learning Center, Gregory Heights and other elementary schools. If you wanted it done right, Sue was your go-to person. Understanding the pressures on educators, late in her career, Sue became a facilitator for The Center for Courage and Renewal, helping peers to reclaim and rethink their passion for teaching.
Sue was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Xi chapter, U of O. She maintained life long connections with her college sorority sisters.

Sue’s life was defined by her Catholic faith. Her faith led her to serve in the Funeral Ministry of St. Ignatius Parish. Sue’s cancer journey was a fast moving one. She told us she was “not afraid” and “If I’m going to feel like this for five years, I’m ready to meet Jesus now.” She remained kind and dignified even in her dying.

Sue launched thousands of children into the world, but it was her three children Aimee, Evan and Aaron of whom she was most proud. They remember Sue as an unfailingly supportive mother during their early years who grew to be their best friend, confidant, advisor. Sue went the extra mile to make holiday and birthday dinners special events for her family, her kids, her grandkids. Meals were one of her many love languages. She also had a beautiful eye for home design and gardening.

At day's close, Sue and husband Kevin Jeans-Gail had a ritual. They would ask each other, "Where was God in your day?" Those of us graced with sharing our lives with her can answer - it was when Sue was around.

Sue's not here in body any more. But this lifelong educator left behind a legacy of love, service, family and friendship. Well done good and faithful servant. Susan Marie Brent made the world a better place.

Sue is survived by parents Ruth and Van Brent, husband Kevin Jeans-Gail, children Aimee Brent, Evan Brent-Fulps (Emily) and Aaron Brent-Fulps; stepsons Sean and Connor Jeans-Gail, grandchildren Chris Brent, Noah, Maria and Colin Elwell, Brandon, Caleb and Daphne BrentFulps and great grandchild Asher Brent.

Services are Friday, October 21, noon, St. Rose of Lima, NE 54th Avenue, Portland, OR.