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Shizu Sue Lofton

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Roosevelt University

Shizu Lofton Obituary

Shizu Sue Lofton, 93, retired Assistant Dean of Continuing Education at Roosevelt University, taichi instructor and cofounder of White Crane Wellness Center, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of family and friends, Aug. 5, 2007. Cherished wife of 47 years to Nathan M. Lofton, Jr; beloved mother of Linda (Avron) Hoffman of Vancouver; devoted grandmother of Miko Hoffman; dear sister of Koo (the late Paul) Sakamoto and the late Ben (Alice) Hirano, Hiede (Frank) Kunitomi and Pete Hirano; devoted aunt of Gene and Cynthia Kunitomi, Janice and Pat Sakamoto, Marsha Hirano Nakanishi and Kathryn Hirano Westrum. Memorial gathering Saturday, Aug. 11, 1 to 3 p.m., Service at 1:30 p.m., in the family room at United Methodist Home, 1415 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL, 60640. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name to White Crane Wellness Center, 1355 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL, 60640, would be appreciated. For further info please contact White Crane at 773-271-9001.

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Published by Chicago Tribune from Aug. 8 to Aug. 11, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Shizu Lofton

19 Entries

Jane Bradbury

August 27, 2007

Dear Nate,
I heard about Sue's death from Reiko Kuroda Mrozik. I am so sorry I didn't know about it earlier. I have fond memories of many, sweaty hours spent learning folk dancing under the patient tuteledge of Sue and you. Sue was one of those special people like Dawn who seemed to live and feel more intensely than the rest of us. I know my father was extremely fond of you both. Love, Jane Stracke Bradbury.

The Cafe Selmarie family

August 15, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sue was such a vibrant and inspirational person and truly one of our very favorite customers. The restaurant always seemed brighter when she and Nate came in. We are honored to have known her.
She will be missed.

Leslie Mitnick

August 14, 2007

Dearest Sue - You are now residing in your eternal home. Though many years have passed since I last saw you, I am rich with the memories of the great friendship you extended to me in the late 1960's at Roosevelt University. In a very real sense, it was your belief in my potential as a teacher that exceeded my own, especially in view of the difficulties I was having with the Education Department at Roosevelt University. Nevertheless, it was the fact that you so fiercely believed in me that I endured. The result was a great career in teaching that lasted until my retirement in 2004.
I also recall the run I had working with you in the Department of Arts and Sciences at Roosevelt, and all those wonderful lunches we had at those countless restaurants on Michiagan Avenue. We talked about opera, cats, Roosevelt, and all the other stuff that was so meaningful in my life. You were my Rock of Gibraltar: you shared my innermost feelings as well as my deepest thoughts. Those who love you take take great joy in the celebration of your life -- a life lived magnificently well. So many have said that a life lived well is one for celebration. Yours was such a life -- one of giving, sharing, and impacting other's lives always in a positive and unforgetable way. No one could emulate you -you were are are one of a kind. I will never forget you as long as I live. This world is surely a better place because you inhabited it. Of how many people can this truly be said? How lucky Nate was to have had you at his side for all these years!

Gweny Wong

August 13, 2007

Dear Miko & Linda,

I did not know Sue, but she clearly was well loved and respected. You have my deepest sympathies on losing such an amazing womyn from your lives. I know that Sue lives on not only in your memories and in your hearts, but in you both. Take very good care of yourselves.

Angie Lofgren

August 13, 2007

What a joy Sue has been.... while I was a student at Roosevelt University in 1970, she was always positive and willing to help! My sister, Connie Gountanis, and I always found laughter and friendship with Nate and Sue. May her spirit continue to influence others.

In love and friendship, Angie Lofgren

August 12, 2007

Dear Linda, Miko, Nate and Avron,

We are so sad about the loss of Sue. She was one of the kindest people we have ever met and was such an inspiring woman. Having lunch with Sue and Nate on a beautiful day in Chicago was a highlight of our road trip from Vancouver to Philadelphia. Her warmth, generosity and incredible vibrancy will not be forgotten. We hope your happy memories help you through these difficult times. Thinking of you.

love,
kath and grog

Carey Schug

August 11, 2007

I am glad we all felt Sue's energy with us today at the memorial service.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

(Hopi prayer)

Joyce Chong

August 10, 2007

Dear Linda, Miko, Nate and Avron,
Thinking of you during this sad time.
I am very thankful to have known Sue. She continues to be an inspiration in my life. Take care. love, Joyce

Neil Rest

August 9, 2007

I hadn't seen Sue in a decade or two, but I wouldn't have made it through Roosevelt in the mid-70's without her, and her peacefulness, humor, and wisdom have always been with me.

Anita Yung & Phil De Torres

August 9, 2007

Dear Linda and Miko, I'm very sorry to hear about your mother/grandmother. Though I've never met her I'm sure that she was just as cool as the both of you, if not more. My thoughts are with you guys, if there's anything that you need please don't hesitate to ask. Take care

Lisa Mah

August 9, 2007

Dear Linda, Miko, Nate and Avron

Sue was a vibrant, gentle and kind woman. Remember her spirit, and celebrate her life and contributions. My thoughts are with you all. Take care.

Kamara Kroeker

August 9, 2007

Dear Miko and Linda,

My sincerest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Tamio & Mayu

August 8, 2007

Dear Linda, Avron, Miko & Nate,
When we heard of Sue's passing, Mayu and I fondly recalled our many encounters with this remarkable woman. Mayu said, "I've never met a nisei woman like her. She was my hero and I wanted someday to be just like her." We feel what made Sue so unique was her total openness and generosity which allowed her to give love unconditionally.
We share your grief and our hope is that your sorrow can be assuaged by the reminder that Sue was greatly admired and much loved by so many of us here in Vancouver.

jeanie ow

August 8, 2007

dearest linda and miko, i have never met your mother/grandmother, but i am sure that i would have loved her as much as i love the both of you. my thoughts are with you in this difficult moment in your life. please let me know if there's anything i can do help.
hugs, jeanie

Atsuko Yamashita

August 8, 2007

Hi Linda & Miko, So sorry to hear about your loss. She was such a poisitive & cheerful person. I will miss her...

The Aoki Family

August 8, 2007

We are very sorry for your loss. Miko and Linda, you are in our thoughts.

Marsha Santelli

August 8, 2007

Dear Nate,

My deepest sympathies on the passing of Sue.

Catlin Renay

August 8, 2007

Dear Linda, Nate, Miko & family,
I'm sending lots of hugs & love to you all in this very sad time. I am so sorry for your loss. Sue was such a wonderful woman; always smiling & laughing when I saw her. I will miss her spirited wit and her grace. Please take care of yourselves. If I can do anything, please let me know.
Love, Cat

Lyndsay Sung

August 8, 2007

Dear Miko and Linda, your grandma/mom was a special lady. If she could produce two amazing women like yourselves she had to be! I'm sorry for your loss, we're all thinking of you and sending love.

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