Susan Elaine Peters

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Susan Peters Obituary

Susan Elaine Peters, of Sarasota, Fla., died on Monday, August 3, 2009, after an 18 month battle with cancer. She was born January 24, 1948, in Roanoke, Va. She was a graduate of William Fleming High School, Roanoke, and Westhampton College, Richmond, Va. After graduation she taught math in Roanoke City and Winchester, Va.; was a professional dog handler at competitions; and owned and ran restaurants. She received a master's degree in counseling and development from George Mason University, Fairfax, Va., in 1997. As a licensed mental health counselor, she opened her own practice in Sarasota in 2001. Susan was predeceased by her father, Robert "Bud" Dennis Peters; and her mother, Louise Firebaugh Peters Reed. She is survived by her brother, Kevin (Kris) Peters; niece, Emily Peters; nephews, Robert Peters II and Matthew Peters; stepmother, Margaret Franklin Peters, of New Castle, Va.; aunts, Frances Witt and Patsy Eanes; uncles, Lawrence (Lois), Lewis and Alvin (Barbara) Peters; and many special cousins. She was surrounded by many special friends during this difficult time. Their love and caring support will not be forgotten. A memorial service was held August 5, 2009, in Sarasota.

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Published by Roanoke Times on Aug. 20, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Peters

12 Entries

BILL BATLEMAN

March 26, 2018

I met Susan in 1989. She was working for Liz Clark's Springfield Farms world famous Labrador kennels. We immediately made friends fast she would always say to me you are always welcome to come here whenever you would like. She is sold me my first Labrador Springfields mr. Redford and my life was changed forever. I was invited to my first dog show with Sam she would grab the reins and take him in and finish him she was outstanding. Mrs. Clark passed away last April and we even talked about Susan. I had bumped into a doctor wearing my lrcp jacket and we would start talking about dogs then Springfield's and he would ask me did I know Susan? Of course I responded. He would then let me know that she was not well. I called her we had a wonderful conversation she was surprised that I even remembered her. I told her I never forget anyone who is kind and considerate. She was a very special person. She will live in my heart forever. All of us who started in the labrador show circles with Springfield's dogs, there are three of us all keep in touch and remember Susan fondly. To her immediate family we shall never forget her we all continue to bring up her name in conversation and remember her especially how funny she was. She would say how ironic that I would end up with the two very last intact male Labradors from her beloved Springfield Farms Labradors. I can just hear her from heaven saying she could have not picked a better person.

Susan Wolfson

September 5, 2009

The news of Susan's passing was shocking for me. I had lost touch with her a few years ago, exchanging only Christmas cards. I had worked with Susan at a mental health agency in Bradenton, FL, and she was the one I credit with helping me to start a private practice. She taught me how to run a private psychotherapy practice, she let me use her office space for three years, and she was always available to help when I needed it. Her kindness and generosity are what stand out above everything else for me, and I know that the good memories we have are what continue forever.

Sally Andrews Gudas

August 22, 2009

On behalf of the Westhampton College Class of 1970, I would like Susan’s family and her dearest friends to know how saddened we are to hear of the tragedy of Susan’s suffering and her vibrant life cut short. Please know that we share many vivid, affectionate memories of Susan from our years together in college.

One friend recalls that “in a room with many people, she always stood out, as her presence filled the room”. She was always big-hearted and knew how to use her witty humor to reach people.

Our class email network has been filled with messages since we heard about Susan on Thursday. Some memories from her classmates include ~
“Susan was a presence that could not be ignored”;
“Susan was a dynamic personality who loved life and had a great sense of humor”;
“I’ll always remember her incredible wit and big smile”;
“she was smart, gregarious, generous”;
“she had a big heart”;
“I was very fond of Susan”;
“. . . what a grand gal!. . .large in stature and larger-than-life”; and
“. . . a great friend to many”.

Susan could always be counted on to smile and show us all how to have a good time and take some risks—to help us to not take ourselves too seriously. We all remember the hours she spent in the North Court Tower Room with her many friends, playing cards, having fun, laughing, joking, and exchanging good-natured witticisms.

Our class gave ourselves a terrific 60th birthday party last year, and though several of us tried, we never were able to locate Susan. What a “hoot” if she could have been there with us. We especially regret now that we didn’t try even harder to find her.

We’ll continue to toast her irrepressible spirit, her sense of humor, and her many achievements when we are together at our class reunion next April.

We'll miss her.

Dale Allen

August 22, 2009

I was saddened to learn about the loss of your sister. We were college friends, as were so many of my classmates who have already shared their memories of Susan. We studied, played cards and partied ... what fun we had.

I especially remember our first parents day. Susan was behind my mom and me and shouted hi y'all; My mom couldn't understand the welcome Susan shouted ... but she did see and feel the comradery we shared; it was the same with everyone, Susan welcomed us all.

I have fond memories of my time with Susan, as do you. Those memories will sustain you and keep Susan part of your lives.

Bobbie Somerville

August 20, 2009

I was a classmate of Susan's at Westhampton. I will never forget her laugh and love of a good time. She was always laughing and had that cheerful personality. I am so sorry that we did not stay connected over the years. We did try to find her for a reunion. We all shall miss our Even Sister.
Bobbie Cahoon Somerville, class of 1970

August 20, 2009

On behalf of myself and my family I extend to Kevin and his mother our deepest sympathy. We were not blessed to know Susan, however, we did know her father and know Kevin personally. We know she embodied the integrity and high standards that are the hallmark of the Peters family. Her passing has left a space that will be impossible to fill.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and his mother in this time of great sorrow. They both may find solace in the knowledge that Susan rests in heaven where she feels neither pain nor fear...she is at peace.

Offered With Love and Sympathy;

Donald & Judy Lucas
Micah Lucas
Aaron Gabriel Lucas
Julian Emmanuel Lucas
Savannah Marie Lucas

Juli Einspanier (Moore

August 20, 2009

I was one of her students at Monroe Jr. High School. She was one of my favorites! I'm so sorry to hear of her pain and death...Juli

Susan Bain Creasy

August 20, 2009

I was in Susan's class at Fleming and at Westhampton. We shared a love of mathematics. I tried to locate her prior to our reunion last year - so sorry I was unsuccessful. I knew of her work with dogs and had run into her in early 1980 at a restaurant in Paris, VA. She lead a full life and I pray that remembering the good tmes will comfort her friends and family.

Trudy Seely

August 20, 2009

Susan was my first roommate and friend at Westhampton College. I have many fond memories of her and am sorry that I did not remain in contact with her after our years in Richmond. My thoughts are with her friends and family.

Mary Pearson

August 20, 2009

Susan and I were classmates at Westhampton College. I remember Susan fondly as she was the ever enthusiatic "life of the party". Although we lost contact over the years, I never forgot her affection and kindness toward me during our college days. My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with her family and friends at this difficult time. May you find comfort and solace in loving memories of Susan.

With deepest sympathy,

Rin Henry Barkdull

August 20, 2009

I was Susan's friend in college and lost touch with her after graduation. She was a good person who loved life. I have thought of her so often over the years and am sorry we never reconnected. It sounds as though she had a full life that incuded helping others. My prayers are with all who loved her.

Ann Marie Wood

August 20, 2009

I am a classmate of Susan's from Westhampton College. We had some wonderful times together in college. Susan was always up for having fun!
I regret that we lost contact through the years. Her family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

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