Shuko “Sue” Paitsel passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Charleston, WV, on October 1, 2025, joining her husband of over 50 years, Donald B. Paitsel, in their Heavenly home.

Shuko was born on October 20, 1933, in a small town near Sendai, Japan, and grew up in Japan during WWII, a daughter of the Yamaki family. Shuko met and married Don in 1958, while he was stationed in Japan with the United States Air Force. The two left Japan and lived in Spokane, Washington, San Bernadino, California, the Philippine Islands, and gave birth to their three sons, all before settling in Charleston, WV.

Shuko was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will live on through the impact she made on her family and friends by sharing her memories, love, and generosity.

In addition to her husband, Shuko was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings in Japan. She is survived by her three sons: Teddy Paitsel (Carole) of Teays Valley, WV, Doug Paitsel (Susan) of Sissonville, WV, and Don Paitsel (Sheila) of Charleston; her grandchildren: Anthony Paitsel (Chelsea) of Ohio, Emily Williams (Tim) of Ohio, Mia Bailey (Marvin) of Sissonville, Zach Paitsel of Charleston, Nick Paitsel of New York, Jenna Paitsel of Dunbar, Ali Michelle Smith of Ohio, and A’mee Smith of Scott Depot. She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Mila, Emory, Hazel, Harper, Lexi, Mia, Lyndsey; and two great-great grandsons, Kohen and Krew.

A joint memorial service for Shuko and her late husband, Don, will be scheduled at a later date this fall.

Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.