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Susan Coursen Obituary
Sep. 26, 1936 - Aug. 26, 2015
Susan Kirkconnell Coursen, age 78, was born in Tampa, FL, and lived the majority of her life in Sarasota, FL. She was a 1954 graduate of Sarasota High School and attended Florida State University where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She graduated from Florida State University in 1958 and received her Master's degree from the University of South Florida in 1978, with both degrees in Education.
For over 35 years, Susan was a teacher in Sarasota County, teaching at Brentwood Elementary and Riverview High School. She was a state ranked tennis player in high school and continued to play throughout her life. She was also an accomplished artist and published writer. Susan was a member of the Church of the Redeemer and in her retirement enjoyed traveling, participating in the local PEO and Delta Delta Delta Alumni Association, as well as tutoring high school students.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn T. Kirkconnell and Robert B. 'Ben' Kirkconnell. Surviving her are daughters, Elizabeth Coursen, Leigh Coursen, and Ginny Wyatt (Ed); her Grandchildren, Katey Coursen, Susan Wyatt, Bruce Wyatt and Maggie Wyatt; her sisters, Dede Kirkconnell and Donna Bailey; brother, Ben Kirkconnell (Barbara); and her long - time companion Ben Freuhauf.
At Susan's request, there will be no public memorial service. In her memory, donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice / Philanthropy Department: 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238 Tidewellhospice.org/hospice/donors
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Coursen
Linda Pearson
August 24, 2020
You were an awesome neighbor. Friendly and wise. Very nice family. You are missed.
Jayne Polly
September 18, 2015
Talented artist, writer, teacher, mother, and conversationalist, Susan brightened the world with her presence. She was my cousin and friend, and she will be missed. I will always remember her for her graciousness, her intellectual passion, and her fun-loving spirit.
September 4, 2015
I was so saddened to hear that Susan passed . When I first came to Brentwood she took me under her wing. She was very intelligent and giving.
David Vance
September 2, 2015
I remember Susan, my classmate at SHS, all of her entire family, including Dede and Ben.Have always had fond memories of her father who had the gas station across from the old Herald-Tribune building where all the paper boys use to hang out.
My condolences to all of her family.
Peg Karbovanec
August 31, 2015
Susan was a very special person.. I admired her intelligence,artistic and athletic accomplishments, her joie d'vivre, and her graciousness.
Whenever I visited her sister, Dede, Susan was always sure to invite me to her home and to make me feel at home.
It has been an honor to know her and her passing is a loss to all who hold her dear.
My sincere condolences to her family.
August 31, 2015
Been a while since we have had contact but I will remember our 2005 trip to and tour of China. We had a lot of fun and it was great to reconnect. We graduated SHS and FSU together. My condolences to daughters and grands! Mollie Cardamone
Mollie Cardamone
August 31, 2015
So sorry to learn about Susan. We graduated SHS together and on to FSU! We spent a great time together on a China trip in 2005 but began to lose touch as the years passed. My condolences to daughters and grands, am sending hugs and love, MollieMollie Cardamone
Robert "Bobby" Blanton
August 31, 2015
It was a shock to learn of Susan's death. She will certainly be missed my her friends from SHS and her SHS 1954 classmates. Most of us had known her since we were in the 7th grade, if not before. I also saw her at FSU. May God be with all the family at this time. On behalf of SHS1954 we say a sad "So long" to one of our own.
Frank and Margie Duzy
August 31, 2015
We are sorry for your loss. Susan was a wonderful and interesting person.
Linda Pearson
August 31, 2015
Susan will be greatly missed.. you were a wonderful neighbor and friend. Your walks, your smile and your being my wonderful neighbor, was a blessing. They say when one door closes another opens, but life without Susan, is a great loss. My sympathy goes out to your daughters and grandchildren. I will miss you dearly..
Peter Miller
August 31, 2015
Susan was a FUN person to share our mind games as well as other stuff that made a life worth living.
Thank you, Susan, for giving me the countless memories that will add to the joy of my life as I travel to a final destination.
Ann Bodenstine
August 30, 2015
My sympathy to Donna, my long time friend, her sister, Dede, brother, Ben, and the family. Susan worked in the Sarasota County Tax Assessor's Office during the summer where my Father was employed. She was always a favorite of my Father's!! One of the funniest memories I have is when Donna, I, Susan and her daughters were at Siesta Key Beach. I had worn some nice Italian sandals out there - and Ginny wore them in the surf!! Donna and I have had many laughs from this over the years. Rest in Peace, Dear Susan. Ann (Cheney) Bodenstine
Debbie Taylor Thornton
August 30, 2015
6th grade and she was determined to teach us about the world. She did an excellent job! Mrs. Coursen will certainly be missed. My sympathies for the family.
Carol Johnson
August 30, 2015
Cousin Susan's beauty, wit and talents were admirable and Her 3 daughters were always her #1 priorities, and her grandchildren held so much room in her heart. A big hug and thank you to Ben Fruehauf for holding her until the end. Thank you, too, to Susan's kind Hospice Nurse Katie who Susan mentioned often to me. Much love and comfort to all Susan's family and and friends.
August 30, 2015
We send our sincerest condolences to Susan's family. We knew her through her fiction writing group and enjoyed her company at gatherings at our home. She was a gracious charming woman.
Martin and Kathryn Johnson
August 30, 2015
Much love and condolences to a childhood family. May her memory be eternal!
Laura Dean
August 30, 2015
Thank you for inspiring the young ladies in your classes, and being a wonderful teacher to so many. (One of the few teachers I remember from my school years. 3rd & 6th grade at Brentwood.) Peace to you and your family.
Michael Mitchell
August 30, 2015
Susan Course was the best teacher I ever was privileged to attend. The lessons she taught me, about life and motivation, are still with me today. She was an amazing example of how a life should be lived, her grace, poise and shining outlook on life were a testament to her strength and caring. She will be missed, but never forgotten.
Rachel (Meincke) Guergawi
August 30, 2015
Susan Coursen was a lovely, fun, talented lady and an amazing mother. I have so many wonderful memories of spending time at her house playing with her daughter (my best childhood friend) Ginny. She is loved and will be missed greatly.
Christine Gruters
August 30, 2015
Sympathies to the family, her mark has been left in many of her former students, her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful woman, so glad to have met her when I had her daughter Ginny as a cheerleader.
Pamela Hanson
August 30, 2015
Susan Coursen meant the world to me and I loved her very much. In my private moments when I look inside my self for strength, it's Susan's voice I hear encouraging me to be the best version of myself I can be. Susan believed in me when I was lost and had no idea how to believe in myself. Susan sought out beauty in all things. She noticed what others pass by. The gift of her in my life was a treasure and I will think of Susan in the beauty I find as I live on.
My heart is with those she loved so dearly - her beautiful daughters, her grand children, her brother and sisters, her friends and her beloved partner Ben.
I feel so grateful to have had Susan in my life and I will cherish her always.
Margaret Burns
August 30, 2015
Susan, you and I shared a classroom at Riverview and lunch and many many teaching tricks. We laughed together often and discussed poems and stories and techniques that worked with 10th graders. How we laughed when a student publication listed my picture with your name! We shared so many stories of our daughters and Donna and I would meet at school functions occasionally. You were always a private person and I felt so privileged to have those fun moments together in Room 224 (I think). You were a remarkable teacher and I know many students are grateful to your fair and firm instruction. I remember you well. My condolences to your family and friends. I will add your name to my prayer list.
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