Susan Jane Lessin

New online location for Sue is here:

https://www.forevermissed.com/susan-jane-fitzsimmonslessin/about?invitation_code=34df818a01e4b364a66df8048de3204&utm_source=fm_emails&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=memorialInvitation&utm_content=visit_link

Susan Jane (Fitzsimmons) Lessin went home to God on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. She entered this world May 5, 1934. Born in Ames, Iowa to John R Fitzsimmons Sr. and Dorothy Proctor Fitzsimmons. At the age of 2 years old, she and her brother John (4 years her senior), lost the care of their mother, then the Dean of the English Department at Iowa State, who was institutionalized until her death. That fateful event of Sue's early life did much to shape her as she put all her faith in God.

Sue spent her youth in Ames. Grade school at St Cecilia's, on to Ames High, and then on to her hometown Iowa State University in 1952 for 4 years of study and a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics. At Iowa State, she was a homecoming princess and met her future husband, Jack (John Edward Lessin), whom they shared 50 years of marriage until his passing in 2007.

Her favorite childhood memories were summers in Leadville, CO, convening with the rest of the rambunctious and free Fitzsimmons clan in the alpine air for mountain sojourns, playful mischief, and stories. She also loved Yellowstone, Montana, where in her youth she vacationed and she spent a summer working at the Yellowstone Lodge. At college, she made dear friends in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, who for the rest of their lives cultivated their bonds of friendship with letters, calls, and oft annual trips together.

After college, Sue followed adventure west with her friend Barbara Notti boarding a train to San Francisco. They rented an apartment, found work, and rode cable cars in the lively Beat Era of San Francisco. In 1957, she married Jack, now a Captain in the Air Force, and moved to Okinowa, Japan, before returning to California and eventually settling in Larkspur. 

Sue's greatest pride came with her husband Jack in raising their five children. She went all out to make the holidays magical and daily prepared beautiful healthy meals for all. While quiet, Sue graciously held all her family and friends in mind. Sue loved art, adventure, theater, music and all things a little different. She spent many years on the College of Marin Emeritus Board. She loved to sing at church and in the Mayflower Chorus. She had a special love for the friends and families developed at St. Patrick's parish and in the larger community of Larkspur.

Sue is survived by her five children whom she loved dearly-Matt (Virginia), Dave, Mike (Danielle), Eric (Ari), and Iman/Aimee (Hussein) and her seven grandchildren: Abdurrahman, Abdullah, Omar, Ethan, Natalie, Bronwyn and John.

The family wishes to extend unending thanks to Dee, Lela, and Losalini, who shared full-time caregiving for five years. We will be forever grateful for your services that gave Sue the deep maternal love, care, safety, and companionship that was lost to her as a toddler.

Sue will be deeply missed, but there is great joy in knowing that in her last days she envisioned climbing the Rocky Mountain peaks of Leadville and saw the Gates of Heaven and the park beyond where she now dances with all her friends and family who preceded her. For donations in Sue's name, please give to a charity of your choice. 

"God is our refuge and strength." (Psalm 46:1)

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Sue's life but details have yet to be decided. For updates, please go to here:

https://www.forevermissed.com/susan-jane-fitzsimmonslessin/about?invitation_code=34df818a01e4b364a66df8048de3204&utm_source=fm_emails&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=memorialInvitation&utm_content=visit_link