Susan Elaine "Sue" McBRIDE

Susan Elaine McBride, who lived in Douglas, Wyoming for almost 35 years, passed away on Friday, October 18, 2024 after a long cancer journey. As she did with so much of her life, she used what she learned from her cancer journey to help those around her as well. Her joyful, positive spirit, visualizations, and focus on wellness kept her thriving for far longer than was initially expected. While facing her own battle, she founded and led a cancer support group in partnership with her infusion buddy, Jennie Ketner, to encourage others in their fight for healing. She put that same energy, strength, and commitment into whatever cause she saw, because she cared so deeply for others.
She loved serving her community in big ways and in small ways, from serving a cup of coffee with a smile at her bookstore to serving on boards and leading organizations. After her kids became Casper Troopers, Sue volunteered with the drum corps in a variety of ways for many years. She loved the music, the shows, the people in the organization, and was deeply grateful for the transformative experience the Troopers gave to her children.
Sue was an active Rotarian, including serving as Club President for a time, who loved working the Rotary Food Booth at each State Fair. She brought joy to those working around her. In addition to her Rotary service, Sue lived out the Rotary motto of Service Above Self by serving people in many other ways including as an educator, a businesswoman, and a pillar of the community.
Sue McBride taught and counseled for years in Cheyenne and Sheridan before becoming the Director of Special Education for Converse County School District. She went on to become the Director of the Douglas branch of Eastern Wyoming College where she oversaw the building of the new Douglas campus.
Sue could see the possibility and potential in everyone, and was filled with ideas for how to improve the community. Her can-do attitude inspired many people to believe that they too can do whatever they put their mind to do.
Sue had a special bond with horses and valued the healing power of that connection. She loved to ride and wanted everyone to have a chance to experience the magic of rider and horse working together, each caring for the other. The yellow tiger swallowtail butterfly is her spirit animal, showing up when she needed it, to comfort, fortify and encourage her.
Above all else, Sue loved her entire extended family very much and was always there to support and help however she could. She saw reading as the foundation of education, and also as a source of joy and a way to find help. All of her kids and grandkids have grown to love reading and treasure the books she gave as gifts to celebrate life moments and milestones. She always knew just which book, chosen thoughtfully with great care, would help someone in their moment of need.
Sue Elaine McBride was preceded in death by parents; Betty Wicksted, Charles Carpenter, Bob Dean, Glenn Elston, and Tom Wicksted; sister, Janet Colomb; and uncle, John Carpenter.
She is survived by husband, Steve McBride, of Douglas; children, Lisa Fuller of San Diego, California, Shawn Sippel of Fort Collins, Colorado, John (Stacey) McBride of Fort Collins, Kris Campbell of Park City, Utah, and Jake (Lexi) Campbell of Tucson, Arizona; uncles, Jim Carpenter of Colorado and Ken Carpenter of New Mexico; sisters, Linda Feaser of Washington and Robin Rumley of Kansas; step mother, Doreene Carpenter of Corvallis, Oregon; step siblings, Chris Carpenter, Lisa Still, Alec Carpenter, Janet Vorwerck, and Michael Wicksted; grandchildren, Sera Sippel, Mia Zygmunt, Talia Zygmunt, Alec McBride, and Ava Campbell; and her faithful dog, O'Reilly.
A celebration of Sue McBride's life will be held at the Douglas High School Auditorium at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Afterward, Steve and Sue's family invite you to stop by the Whistle Stop sometime between 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. for an open house and joyful reminiscing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Douglas, Wyoming Rotary Club or the Troopers in Susan McBride's memory.
The Gorman Funeral Homes-Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com
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