Susan Peggy Knudsen Burningham

On January 11, 2024, a beautiful, blue-sky winter morning, we said goodbye to our sweet mother and “Granny” following a valiant 4-year battle with ovarian cancer. Mom was 70 years young and thoroughly loved life up until the very end. Always gracious, optimistic, determined and kind. During her life’s journey Mom found peace. Without a doubt her greatest joy was with her children and grandchildren.

Susan Peggy Knudsen was born on May 4, 1953, in Salt Lake to Frances McCullough and George Edward “Brig” Knudsen. Mom was the first of three children to bless the family.

Mom was raised in White City near Sandy, Utah and graduated from Hillcrest High School. She and her siblings enjoyed spending summers in Copperton with grandparents George Wesley “Bapa” and Pearl “Nana” Knudsen. They also had wonderful times with grandparents Leonard and Evelyn McCullough in Salt Lake City.

Mom enjoyed the satisfaction of contributing and making a difference in life. She instilled the quality of hard work in her children through everything she was involved in. She was a dedicated and talented professional, working downtown for Walker Bank, at Safeway’s Bakery & Cream O’ Weber Dairy, Murdock Travel and finally with Sandy City Public Utilities. She retired as an Engineering Assistant in 2021 after nearly 30 years of fulfilling service full-time. 

As much as Mom enjoyed work, her greatest joy was always her family. Her pride was in her sons, their spouses and 13 beautiful grandchildren. From Mom’s personal writings she shared, “I know without a doubt that there is nothing better than being a mother, I am so very grateful every day for (the) love and support of our entire family.”

As grandchildren began to arrive Mom became known as “Granny”. Granny carried on a strong family legacy and made it her mission to attend and celebrate each of her grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. Nothing brought her more pride and joy than the growth & learning of her “beautiful” & “handsome” grandchildren. She also loved her furry “grand dogs” who also brought her great joy.  

Mom lived a life of paying it forward & giving back as she volunteered & served regularly. Prior to her cancer diagnosis she enjoyed volunteering weekly at Huntsman Cancer Institute. She was heavily involved as a cub scout leader and served on numerous employee committees at work. She also enjoyed serving at the Sandy Sego Lily Conservation Gardens. She had a lot of pride in her Sandy roots and also being a West-side resident- which has been home to each of us. 

Mom cherished quality friendships with many wonderful groups of people. We are grateful for her numerous friends from Sandy City, the County senior centers, book club, several neighborhoods, in addition to her wonderful lifelong friends and sister Jill.  

When the work was done, Mom liked to party. Mom loved to travel! She especially enjoyed warm climates, the ocean and beach. Favorite destinations included: Kauai, Mexico, Northern and Southern California, Arizona, Southern Utah, Washington DC, and Paris. Her favorite hobbies included: Yoga, reading, food, the warm sunshine, flower gardens, and beautiful architecture. 

Survived by her sons: Cliff (Wendy), Jim (Robyn) and Kevin (Tiffany). Her grandchildren: Megan (Daniel), Melissa, Hailey, Ryan, Nathan, Gwenie, Evan, Seth, Jentz, Reid & Quinn. Her sister Jill Lisonbee and former spouses: Norm Farrer and Dale Burningham.
 
Preceded in death by her parents, Brig & Fran Knudsen; brother, Robert Knudsen; daughter Tawnia Burningham; grandsons Taylor and Bradley Burningham, and her precious pooch Uno.

Thank you to all the healthcare professionals who treated Mom like royalty. We are so grateful to the staff at Utah Cancer Specialists, the staff on the 3rd floor at the IMC Women’s Center and the ICU at Intermountain Medical Center.  

A Celebration of Life will be held in Susan’s honor on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Lone Peak Indoor Pavilion, 10140 South 700 East in Sandy, Utah 84070. A private dinner will be served at 5:30pm. Those invited are requested to RSVP via email cwbham@gmail.com or phone/text 801-835-2775. All others who wish to pay their respects are invited to attend an open house from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.