Susan Jeanne Fisher

Sue Fisher was one of my closest, oldest friends. I can't imagine not talking with her again.

We first met at the University of Minnesota in a freshman English class, 46 years ago. Even though I lived in South Minneapolis and Sue, of course, lived in St. Louis Park, we spent many evenings and weekends dancing, eating, shopping, etc. while I finished my degree and Sue worked at C.R. Leeds and then began at Northwest.

When I went to teach in Tacoma, WA, Sue visited many times. We both got married and continued visiting back and forth, spouses in tow.

We talked for hours on the phone when we didn't see each other, and there was never a time when we didn't know very closely how and what the other one was doing.

After 30-some years, when my parents, who still lived in Minneapolis, became ill, Sue's house became my refuge and my base of operations for taking over their care.

Shortly after their deaths, it was Sue who became ill with breast cancer, and it was my turn to be as helpful and supportive. We talked often and listened carefully to each other, and we continued that pattern right up until Sue couldn't talk any more and I had to write letters instead.

Being with Sue for a week in January to say goodbye was a privilege. Harland and I are so glad we could be there with her and David.

There will never be another Sue in my life. We truly listened to each other and understood each other. We knew each other's lives. We were young together, middle-aged together, and old together. We shared books, art, philosophy, natural healing, visits back and forth, AOL instant messaging, hundreds of hours on the phone, jokes, getting married, the sadness of losing our parents, getting divorced, and the joys and problems of home construction and maintenance. We shared our fears, our dreams, and reality of what really happened. Whatever was going on, we supported each other.

But, sadly, all that is over now. I miss you so much, and thank you, Sue, for everything.

I met Sue over two years ago when she adopted Esther, a female, wirehaired dachshund from Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue. I had just began to do rescue work and Esther was the very first dog I fostered. When I met Sue I knew she would give Esther the very best home Esther could have. Esther came from a puppy mill and was a very timid dog to say the least. Sue's determination, love and patience with Esther was amazing. If every person I met was like Sue this would be a wonderful world.

We shared many conversations about animals and became friends instantly. I remember Sue telling me that Esther was finally settling in when she decided to leap up onto an ottoman that Sue had in her bedroom. Little did Esther know that the ottoman was equipped with wheels and Esther took a little ride she wasn't expecting! No harm done to Esther but it certainly didn't help an already frightened dog. We shared a little laugh about that.

I received a phone call from Sue one day asking me for help with Esther but not for words of advice this time or to tell a funny story. Sue knew she was very ill and requested my help giving Esther yet another chance. Sue said very little about herself and her discomfort, her concern was doing what was best for her dog. The day I went to pick up Esther from Sue was a very difficult day for the three of us, Sue,Esther and myself.

Thank you Sue for the beautiful, wonderful, selfless person you were. Never did you complain to me in the last few months on this earth. Every time we spoke on the phone you laughed and your concern was how Esther was doing.

You will be greatly missed and remembered and loved. I know you're in a better place and your kind spirit lives on. I know that although you have departed this earth you are yet aware of how good Esther is doing. Esther has been adopted to wonderful new home and how perfect it is that her new forever mom is named Sue! I knew it was a sign that it was right.

I'll never forgot you Sue.
Love, Stefanie

The "hood" will never be the same without our Susie!

I was fortunate to work with Sue for sixteen years on the rate desk. We had many wonderful times both at work and away. We enjoyed the same type of music and went to several concerts together.
There was always something to discuss wih Sue. Her pursuits varied greatly and helped make her the interesting person she was.

She always loved knitting - I have several of her items - but what I remember most is her quilting projects. She inspired me to learn and helped and encouraged me when my projects went wrong. She didn't give up. No one could ever say Sue was a quitter. After her retirement Sue and I spent several afternoons on her deck quilting and looking at her wonderful garden. That is how I will try to remember her - quilting in the garden on a warm afternoon.

Sue was also a strong,spiritual person. I think these traits served her well and gave her courage to face and fight her cancer. When tradition failed she looked out side the box to find alternatives. That takes a special kind of courage that was so typical of Sue. She did things on her own terms.

I haven't seen Sue recently but I have benefitted from knowing her. She will be missed.

Sue, where ever you are, thank you.

Sue Fisher was one of my best friends at Northwest. We took all our lunch breaks together. I admired her knitting projects.

I have lost one of my best friends. I do realize, however, she is in a better place.

Sue will be deeply missed by me and many others.

I worked with Sue for many years at Northwest. She introduced me to many interesting spiritual authors. I enjoyed our discussions about animals, quilting, knitting, and how attitude and positive thinking can change your life. Sue was very well rounded.

After Sue retired, we didn't talk as frequently, but we reconnected at the monthly coffee clatch at Einstein's Bagels. And like old friends, we just picked up where we left off.

I will miss Sue very much, and I will think of her when I see a beautiful quilt, or an interesting piece of material, or when I read a good inspirational book.

Sue gave so much of herself and never expected anything in return.

Sue has been and will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful volunteer and always brightened up our department. Our condolences to her family.

I never had the opportunity to meet Susan, but her brother Tim and his wife, Jenny, were two of my closest of friends while living in MN, and I still consider them as so. From what has been said in all the entries, and the wonderful friend and brother in our Lord and Savior, Tim, I know I can say and believe with all those who knew Susan, that she's in a much better place without the pain and struggles...no more misery. God will continue to bless the Thomas's and my prayers will be with you during your grieving, but also the celebration of a new life. I love you Tim and Jenny, and may the Lord continue to be with both of your families. May we cross paths again real soon.

It doesn’t seem right that someone can die in springtime. All the tulips are in bloom, the fruit trees are blossoming and the grass is greener every day. And yet that is what has happened. My great friend and Knitting Partner in Crime has passed away.

I worked with Sue for many years at Northwest. We weren’t close but frequently chummed it up on breaks. Then she started bringing in things she’d knit and crocheted to sell at craft fairs. I used to drool over the stuff. A lot. I purchased a few things. I told her I’d learned how to knit and crochet from an aunt when I was a teenager. She encouraged me to pick it up again. A lot. When I retired she gave me the book Hip to Knit as a retirement/going away gift. I looked it over. I liked what I saw. I thought, “She’s right, I can do that” and I signed up for a class.

The rest, as we say, is history.

Sue retired not long after I did. We started going on knitterly outings together. We went to Knitters’ Guild meetings. We got seats on the bus for the annual Shop Hop. We went to Yarnover, World Wide Knit in Public Day, and we cruised the Mississippi together. We e-mailed each other constantly, chatting not only about knitting but about politics, about books and libraries, about mothers with Alzheimer’s.

Now she’s gone. I miss her. A lot. She had a huge influence on my life and as I’ve encouraged others to knit, she’s changed the lives of people she never met too.

Funny how that works.

It’s a wonderful life.

Thanks, Sue.