Susan Bell Obituary

SUSAN NUNU NORDYKE BELL Susan "Nunu" Elizabeth Nordyke Bell passed away on March 23, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii at the age of 63. She was beautifully generous, a radiant light, and a uniquely joyful soul who will be greatly missed. Susan was born at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children to Dr. Robert A. and Eleanor C. Nordyke alongside her younger identical twin sister, Gretchen "Nini." The twins were incredibly close and had a special bond throughout their lives. Susan was the fourth of the five Nordyke children and grew up in Manoa. She graduated with the Punahou Class of 1979 and attended UC Davis as a college freshman before transferring to Stanford University. Susan then went on to Harvard, where she completed her Master of Public Health. Susan loved to travel and adored spontaneous adventures. During her senior year at Stanford, she taught English in Taiwan as part of the university's international program. Susan and Nini went to Japan in their late twenties to teach at Sony Language School, where she worked for five years and became a popular English teacher. While there, Susan published an English teaching book which included activities that had worked well in her classes. In 2002, Susan was introduced to her husband Douglas Tsung-Huay Bell. Amazingly, Doug and Susan had lived nearly parallel lives without knowing each other, both growing up in Hawaii and attending Stanford University. They settled in Sunnyvale, California, where they were overjoyed to welcome and raise their son, Brian, and their beloved dog, Kula. Susan and Doug were adoring and devoted parents and cherished their beautiful family. All her life, Susan loved to sing and dance, and filled her loved ones' lives with joyful laughter, optimism, and resilience. She was remarkably generous to those around her and had a zest for life that was infectious. She was a faithful friend who was loyal, empathetic, and wise. Susan is hugely missed by her loving family. She is survived by her son, Brian Nordyke Bell; her four siblings, Mary Ellen Nordyke-Grace, Carolyn Cozzette (Mike), Thomas J. Nordyke (Michelle), Gretchen "Nini" Worthington (DuWayne); her twelve nieces and nephews and their families; her mother-in-law Bella Bell; and many friends all over the world. She was predeceased by her husband Doug in 2023. We were all truly blessed to know and love our wonderful Nunu, and hope that we can continue to share her extraordinary gifts of joy, laughter, and kindness. Please give your loved ones a hug in memory of our sunshine, Susan. A service will be held in her honor on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Central Union Church Atherton Chapel in Honolulu. Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary