Susan M. Davis Vigil

Susan Davis Vigil, 80, of Shorewood, WI, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and friend, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Milwaukee Catholic Home.  She was born in Chicago, IL on August 31, 1941, to Victor and Rose Davis. Susan grew up in Chicago, IL and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, her family parish. She advanced to St. Scholastica Academy for girls where she graduated in 1959.   She then attended both Loyola University, where she met her husband-to-be, Eugene Vigil, and then attended St. Bernard School of Nursing from which she ultimately graduated in 1963.  

Susan and Eugene lived in Chicago, Illinois; Iowa City, Iowa; Madison, Wisconsin; and finally made roots in Shorewood, Wisconsin. They had a brief stay in Fort Collins, Colorado.   They both shared a desire to change the world into a better place.  They were keen supporters and admirers of all forms of the arts and education, be it formal or through self-reflection and study.  Susan and Eugene separated and divorced after 25 years of marriage.  

Susan spent her career serving others as a Registered Nurse although her positive impact on others extended well beyond her job duties.  “Once a Nurse, Forever a Nurse” was Susan’s motto.  She spent most of her career at Columbia Hospital where she passionately cared for post-surgical patients working on 2 West and eventually transitioned to the Gero-Psych Unit.  Susan loved her nursing clan and remained in touch with a core group up until her death.  

Sue was known for her great sense of humor and keen interest in the lives of others.   She was both an excellent storyteller as well as an interested listener of others whether they were  patients, family or friends.

Sue enjoyed many activities, especially those done with family.  She was an avid attendee to many of Milwaukee’s well-known festivals and also a hands-on grandmother, taking her grandchildren to sporting events, dance competitions, and fun activities around town.  Her favorite moments were those surrounded by her family, particularly her grandchildren.  She loved sports and enjoyed going to the Brewer games and watching the Packers on TV.  It would be remiss not to mention Susan’s love of books, particularly mysteries.  She always had a book on hand no matter where she was.

A caring and thoughtful person, Sue often put the needs of others in front of her own. Understanding the value of experiences and opportunities, she routinely made sacrifices so her children could attend cultural events, travel, participate in sports programs and art classes. She recognized that these opportunities would help her children be more well-rounded and open-minded individuals.  Her children and grandchildren have adopted her value of investing in experiences over things.

She understood the value of everyone’s work, teaching her children that every job is important, be it the cleaning staff who change the lightbulbs and clean the offices to the CEO. She would say, “The CEO needs lights to work and a clean space. Each job is important. Take pride in your work and do the best job you can.” Her children and grandchildren continue to embrace these values and appreciate and acknowledge everyone’s contributions to this world.

She spent her later years at the Milwaukee Catholic Home and we would like to thank the people there for helping manage Susan’s wellness in her last years of her life particularly Karen, Connie and Briana.  Thanks too for keeping her connected to her family despite challenges created by geography and the pandemic.  We would especially like to thank St. Camillus for their exemplary Hospice Care,  especially RN Cindy whose kindness, warmth and compassionate care brought comfort to both Susan and her family; along with Chaplain Colleen and Father Anthoni for their spiritual guidance and grace whom Susan looked forward to praying with.

Susan is survived by her ex-husband, Eugene Vigil, Children: Michael Vigil (Mary Pat), Jennifer Vigil (Scott Emerson) and Aimee Matchette (Scott Matchette) as well as her grandchildren: Alyx Vigil-Emerson (Aubrey Behrens), Andrew Vigil-Emerson, Haley Matchette, Aidan Matchette, and Maya Vigil-Emerson and many other family and friends.

Please join us in a celebration of Susan’s life Saturday, May 7, 2022 at St. Robert Catholic Church, 2200 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211.  Visitation 9am - 11am followed by Mass of Christian burial at 11am.  A private family burial will be held at All Saints Cemetery on Monday, May 9, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  The Susan Davis Vigil Memorial Fund, established by the family to support the ongoing  mission of delivering compassionate care by St. Camillus.  Contributions may be sent to:

The Susan Davis Vigil Memorial Fund  

C/O Order of St. Camillus Foundation

10200 W. Bluemound Rd.

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin  53226

(414) 259-8335

or  made online at:  https://www.stcam.com/foundation-charitable-giving

Please note:  The Susan Davis Vigil Memorial Fund.