We, who love Susan, have created this site for all of her friends and family, who also loved her, to share their thoughts and memories and pictures. Please feel free to add a short tribute or condolences below or click on the tab above to add a story, with or without a picture. No public memorial service is planned at this time, but many small, private celebrations of her life are being planned at different places and different times, with internment to follow in St. Louis, MO and Tioga Pass, CA.
The quote at the top is from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery and was chosen by Susan to be used at her memorial.
The following is another quote she wanted:
"Death is nothing at all... Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar names. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. All is well" - from Rosamunde Pilcher.
And finally, Susan wrote her own note to all who loved her:
"I've had a wonderful life. Although it may have been cut short prematurely, I've been blessed with adventures and enough disappointments to help me realize just how special life has been. I was fortunate to have a very special husband, loving friends, and of course my family. The love and support has been so fully given. You can no more tell someone not to grieve than you can tell them to stop breathing - but please remember the special gifts that you each gave to me, especially in these past few years."
In lieu of flowers, Susan's wishes were for family and friends to donate to the charity of their choice. If you do not have a favorite charity, one possibility would be to donate a children's book to your local school or public library. Susan loved children's books and would be happy to know more books were being made available to children in her honor.
Tributes
Leave a tributeShe was unique & special & it’s a great reminder to not forget her!
Susan was a fabulous Teacher Trainer. She helped so many inexperienced classroom teachers to develop confidence & skills. I vividly remember her going repeatedly to Dwyer Middle School to train teachers on the Myers-Briggs Inventory. New and exciting information for us to use!
...it helped me even confirm I was marrying the right guy. Thanks Susan ❤️
Today I am in the beautiful state of Colorado, visiting Ashley,Jonathan, and Bailey. It is so peaceful, and I am having such a wonderful time. I thought of you many times in this past day and a half and how many times as a child I visited you, then how many times my children visited you. I feel so terrible that I was not a very good aunt to Brandon or Renee so I am trying to be one with Bailey. I am going to walk tomorrow as there is a special Denver Walk for Hydrcephalus. I'm not too sure how my feet or back will feel afterwards, but Bailey has gone through 6 brain surgeries in her short life, so I think the walk is the least I can do. Anyway, I thought I would tell you how much you are missed and how much I love you.
I can't believe it has been 4 years. I look up at the stars and wonder where you are, but then I think you are every where. I miss you so. It is hard not to get weepy thinking of you, and yet I smile at the same time. It is a conundrum I don't think I will ever be able to explain. The kids are all getting so big!! We ALL miss you so, but are glad you can dance your days and nights away with Bob. I think like Melody in that sometimes, I wish I could call you and hear your advice, or just your voice, and get those great big hugs. Life goes on. Love, Love Love you
Heaven is so fortunate to have her come home.
(Susan's sister)
Leave a Tribute
A Day at the Beach- YOUR BEACH
Today was a very interesting day- I had (another) cortisone injection I. My neck. It's amazing how many things you and I still have in common- wow, do I miss you!! Tomorrow is Raegen's birthday because, like her momma, she needs her own space and day! 3 of your great- great nieces-nephews are now/ will be 7- Levi is next. Teresa took Daniel, Christian and Angela to Corona Del Mar today, and it wasn't even the original destination- thank you and Bob for giving them so many great memories when I wasn't around to do that- they ALL miss you so much!! I figured you would enjoy this- I'm not sure what else to say except I ache for you every day and love looking at pictures of your warm, loving smile!
Catherine
Memorial
We had a special memorial for Susan at Tioga Pass last Friday, July 6, 2012. Tioga was a favorite place of Bob and Susan's and she wanted her ashes to be spread there. We went to Tioga Lake, where they often stayed. My sister, Catherine, and her husband Rick were there along with Susan's siblings Ralph and Lois, her friends Hank and Joan, George and I, my son and daughter-in-law Brandon and Michelle, and Catherine's daughter and son-in-law and children: Cyndi, Marco, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Levi. We all shared special memories of Bob and Susan - memories of holidays, laughter, and special times. Then all who wanted to took a handful of Bob and Susan's ashes, mixed together, and spread them on the hillside overlooking Tioga Lake. It was wonderful to hear the memories and know that Bob and Susan live on in our hearts because of all the ways they touched our lives.