Suzanne Lake Haynes

Suzanne Lake Haynes passed away peacefully at her home on Bainbridge Island, Washington, on January 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers. Her passing marked the end of a life filled with grace, kindness, and beauty.

Born on December 5, 1937, in Palo Alto, California, to Martha Baker Lake and Richard C. Lake, Suzanne spent most of her childhood in Palo Alto. A few formative years in Hinsdale, Illinois, were especially dear to her, leaving her with lifelong memories. Suzanne graduated from the Castilleja School in Palo Alto. She went on to study music at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 1959. During her time at Cal, Suzanne forged many lifelong friendships, particularly with her sorority sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Suzanne’s adult life was primarily spent in the San Francisco Bay Area. She married Henry Kuechler, raising their two children in Atherton before moving to San Francisco, where she later married Woody Haynes. After Woody’s passing, Suzanne relocated to Bainbridge Island, Washington, where she created a beautiful home and the garden she lovingly oversaw and tended. Gardening was a lifelong passion for Suzanne, and she took great joy in creating and caring for gardens at each of her homes.

Suzanne was warm, fun, and welcoming, with a natural ability to make everyone she met feel at ease. She was known for her beauty, both inside and out, and for the grace, kindness, and joy she brought into the lives of others. She had a passion for music, fashion, decor, and art. She and Woody had many adventures exploring the world, both together and with family and friends.

She was a former member of the Peninsula Volunteers, the Junior League, the Woodside Atherton Garden Club, the Menlo Country Club, a member of the Menlo Circus Club, and a member and past president of The Francisca Club. Through these communities, Suzanne formed enduring friendships and shared her warmth and generosity.

Suzanne is survived by her son, Jack Kuechler, daughter Mary Kuechler (Paul Kick), and grandchildren Katie Kuechler, Will Kuechler, and Elisabeth Engelson.

In lieu of flowers or a donation, the family requests that the next time you find yourself standing in a beautiful garden, take a quiet moment and think of Suzanne.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA