Susan Richardson

Susan Richardson (Bollier) passed away August 19th from a disease that took her voice and tried to take her mind, but failed to take her spirit. Up to her last moments, she smiled, she winked, and she laughed with those around her.

She is survived by her three children and their families: Stacey Wiseman (Richardson) and her husband, Adam, and two children, Alden and Lydia; Emily Valaitis (Richardson) and her husband, Jay, and two children, Jack and Anya; Van Richardson and his wife, Erin, and two children, Sloane and Beck. She was a "Great Aunt Susan" to so many others.

Born on June 21st, 1948 to Fern and Eutolia Bollier in Oakland City, Indiana, her home was full of nicknames; Eutolia, better known as "Toadie," Fern as "Bill," and her brother, Charles "Charlie." Susan, however, would only be known as "Susan." A self-proclaimed daddy's girl, she loved her father with a devotion that would last her entire life.

Despite her Indiana upbringing, she found her way to Kentucky for college, graduating from Kentucky Wesleyan College (KWC), where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. She sang KD songs loudly and proudly throughout our childhood and the white rose (the KD flower) remained a constant favorite of hers. She was blessed with many great, loyal, lifelong friends from both Oakland City and KWC.

Following KWC, she moved to Lebanon, Ohio, to Franklin, Tennessee, and then back to Lebanon. She built homes, friendships and a family in each place. She held dinner parties, Halloween parties, and homecoming and prom photo parties. She had a jukebox with no limit of records or volume. "Hang on Sloopy" and "Run Around Sue" were sung thousands of times from the basement of our home. Dogs came into her life (Bogart, Smoochie, Kuma, Snicker, Bollier and finally Cubbie) and each had a deep meaning, especially Cubbie who was a loyal companion these past few years.

She pioneered multi-aged learning in Lebanon City Schools, teaching children of different ages in the same classroom. She taught across Lebanon-Louisa Wright, Donovan and Berry Middle School-and left an indelible footprint on so many children during her 30+ years in primary education. She went on to get her master's degree from Xavier University at 57 years young.

She loved immensely. Her family. Her friends. Her students. Her colleagues. Her garden. Shopping. M&M's. Indiana Basketball. The 1987 Championship game was often described as one of the best days of her life. She beamed with pride about her kids. She was more than a mom. She was a friend. She was kind. She was fiercely loyal. She was principled. She was everything to us. Thank you to the many people who have already told us what we knew and always appreciate hearing: she was an incredible and unforgettable woman.

A memorial service will be held at Berry Intermediate School, 23 Oakwood Ave, Lebanon, OH 45036, on October 4, from 10 am to 12 pm. All are welcome. If you are able to join us, please bring an artifact or a story about her. Memories are our currency. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association in her name.