Jan. 28, 2006

Susan Jean Belknap Sczawinski

Susan Jean Belknap Sczawinski, 47, died in her sleep at home with her husband on Jan. 23, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born in Santa Barbara, Calif., and moved to Seward in 1979. She married her husband, David Sczawinski, in August 1991. They operated Pristine Products, the northernmost oyster farm in North America, in Eaglek Bay, Prince William Sound, which was their home since 1990.

&#8220Oyster Susie” was a pioneer in the development and promotion of the Alaska mariculture industry, believing that Alaska shellfish are the finest in the world. She had a charming smile and a story for every occasion, her family writes. As an oyster farmer, her great &#8220gift of gab” came in handy during twice-weekly oyster farming demonstrations she gave to passengers of hundreds of small cruise ships who visited Eaglek Bay each summer. Her special gift was conveying her love of oyster farming and her remote lifestyle to all who knew her. Thousands of customers have visited the Pristine Products Oyster Booth at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer since 1994, drawn both by fresh Alaska oysters, and Susie's enthusiasm for life and her boisterous spirit.

She is survived by her husband, David Sczawinski, of Prince William Sound; father, Dan Belknap of Redding, Calif.; brother, John Belknap of Redding; brother, Bill Belknap of Terre Haute, Ind.; brother, Andy Belknap of Sterling, Col.; sister, Elizabeth Belknap of Fairbanks; and a great many friends and oyster lovers in Alaska and beyond.

A memorial service is scheduled for noon Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, at Seward Chapel on Nash Road in Seward.