I haven't forgotten your friendly voice on the phone with that Berlin accent! Berlin, which you left as a little girl. Your family here in Germany, whom you have never forgotten and who even as an old woman loved with all your might after all these years!

This is a P.S. to my previous entry. When my own mother was having her final twenty years of dementia, 1978-1998, Sue was so supportive with cards and notes of encouragement. I so appreciated it. Both our mothers having that final 20 years, being with dementia, kind of makes me wonder about the water or something in our homes, being next door.

Sue died the same year my husband of 40 years died, and due to the email today from forevermissed, I took the time, at last, to take a wonderful trip down memory lane with all these wonderful pictures, stories, and especially the videos. I had the privilege of living next door to the Wells family from the time I was 6 years old, 1954, when both families moved in next door to each other in our new homes in Skokie, IL, until I was through high school, 1965. I had never seen photos of Sue as a child and I was struck with how much she looked like Diane at the same age. I also realized Sue was only a year older than my only sibling, a half brother, Bob. I loved the 4th of July video, seeing the whole family close to the ages I knew them at. Omie always had a special place in my heart too, and Nana is certainly not to be forgotten either. Sue was always the gracious host for fantastic parties she and Zach would hold in their lovely home, for times on their boat on Lake Michigan, and sleepovers at their house, after which she made the best French toast in the whole world!

Dearest One, You are missed so very much. i often talk about you especially during this time of year. I know that I will see that beautiful face of yours one day. Love you very much. Georgia

A Golden Friendship
Zach Wells & Chuck Brenner worked in the same department at Sears in Chicago after World War II. Their wives Sue & Madge met & the two couples developed a long lasting friendship pursuing their love of music, dancing, boating & travel. Sue's fluency in German when we all visited Germany & visited her cousins was a joyful advantage as she spoke for our needs the entire trip. Zach & Chuck later entered a real estate venture in Rockford, IL, where the Brenner's moved. They later moved to South Carolina where Sue & Zach visited & decided to purchase a waterfront town-home near the Brenner's on Lake Hartwell where again the two couples enjoyed time together swimming & boating not in speed boats but on pontoon boats which we would sometimes tie together for a group party with friends. Such fun times! Our wonderful friendship of 60+ years drew to a close when Zach & Sue's health necessitated their moving to Florida to be near their loving daughter Kassie & her husband. I will always treasure my memories of each of these loved ones, who preceded me & my hope is to see them in a blessed reunion in glory--Madge Brenner/typed by Nancy Brenner Lynn

"Aunt Sue & Uncle Zach" were my parents best friends ever since I can remember, it always seemed to be a party when we were together. I always looked forward to seeing them. -- Always smiling & laughing & looking gorgeous no matter if we were boating, swimming, or at a dinner party. Both of them were always so kind & loving to me & my family while displaying immeasurable grace. One of my favorite memories was them teaching me how to water ski, & riding the "moose". I consider myself so blessed to have so many wonderful memories of them to cherish--"Aunt Sue & Uncle Zach" will be always loved & never forgotten--Nancy Brenner Lynn

Dear Kathie, Geneva and I shared so many happy times with Sue and Zach on Lake Hartwell in Anderson. I wrote an earlier memory. Hope it was added. Please know of our thanks to you for remembering us. We could never forget your parents. They were Christian Believers so we plan to see them again. Our Love, Bob and Geneva

Dear Kathie - I am the widow of Curt Kenyon, and I received your card today. So very sorry for your loss. Curt passed away several years ago. Blessings, Lois Kenyon

"The nicer and the fuller the memory,
the harder is the separation,
but the graditude transforms the torture into quiet joy.
One doesn´t carry the beautiful past like a sting,
but as a precious gift in itself."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

A dear person has passed. We won´t forget about her!
Jörg and his family

Sue was a beautiful person inside and out. A precious lady who loved everyone and always encouraged all of us. I loved our time together whether we were swimming, listening to music or drinking coffee. I remember driving down to the beach on our way to lunch one day; we stopped in the parking lot and this lady with her two year old son was parked next to our car. We said hello and he became so animated telling us he had been to the beach. Sue was almost as excited as he was listening to him. I was delighted to be a part of it. That was our Sue. Her light shining through.

Sue was a very special member of our widow's group. Everyone loved her and she loved them right back. She was missed when you guys moved to Utah, but we knew it was God's plan for you. She looked so happy in the pictures you sent. Thanks for sharing her with us. I look forward to seeing her again in heaven with our Lord.

Love to you Kassie and Ray,

Georgia

Kassie & Ray, I can only imagine the void you're left with following Miss Sue's promotion to heaven. Sue was truly one of the kindest, most gracious women I ever met. Even in her Alzheimer's state she was so precious. Always so positive and uplifting...and funny. What a cute sense of humor! I've prayed for you since I learned of her home going and will continue. Not goodbye, but see you later...right? And, I believe we all can say it won't be that long. Love you guys so much!

We have all been blessed to have known Sue!! I am so glad she is my friend!! Her gorgeous smile and loving heart reached out to everyone she met!! Just her presence brought joy to everyone who had the privilege to know her. Her love was genuine and she so freely expressed her love and appreciation for each act of kindness extended to her. Her positive attitude was greatly admired!! The world would be a much better place if only we had more like Sue. i will hold sweet memories of her close to my heart until we meet again!! At that time, she will have arms wide open for one of her heartfelt hugs!!
In loving memory,
Dot Mansfield

For Miss Sue, Cassie, Ray, family and friends:

"Shining, Burning Heart" by Bonnie Blystone

There is a light that burns,
where shadows turn to gold;
ever burning brighter
with each testimony told.
And so this glorious light
advances with the dawn,
as Christ raises once again
that shining heart unto his own.
-------------------------------------
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.”’ - Num. 6:24-26 (NKJV)

With Love, Bonnie B.

I am so sorry to learn that the mom next door, all my growing up years, has moved on. She was always so full of life and fun, helped us kids find fun things to do, was the perfect hostess, and I'll never forget the French toast after sleepovers. She made loaves of it for us. She was always groomed like she was going out, and I admired her strong can do spirit, bringing in extra money for your household, selling various products, at a time when many women didn't work. May you find comfort in your memories.

RIP
I hope you will meet Anneliese, my beloved grandma and your cousin, in heaven!

Sue Su, I love you, love you, love you. You are the most precious little lady I have ever known. I'm sure everyone in the Wells and Wiese family up in heaven are celebrating your arrival. Until I see you again, your son-in-love, Ray