Susan Ann Tourjee

Susan Ann Cote Tourjee passed away on Friday, October 24 after a short illness. Her husband, Michael C. Tourjee and her sister Cheryl were at her bedside when she passed and were a constant source of strength and comfort in the weeks leading up to her death. She faced her diagnosis with the same courage and bravery that she exhibited throughout her life. She accepted the inevitable with grace and dignity and knew there was a place waiting for her in Heaven. She was kind, loving and humble. Whenever her family had a problem that seemed insurmountable, they always sought out Susie for her wise counsel. She would listen with an empathetic and compassionate ear and then would provide sage and practical advice. It is this quality that was treasured most by those who loved her. She had a beautiful smile, an infectious laugh and a deep knowledge and appreciation of music that she passed along to her siblings. Her talent and dedication as a nurse began with her graduation from Berkshire Community College nursing program in 1971. Soon after, she passed her State Licensing exams and later completed her BS in Nursing at American International College in Springfield while working full time as a nurse at Holyoke Hospital. For Susie, nursing was not just an occupation, it was her vocation, one she truly loved. She cared deeply for her patient's well-being and treated them like she would her own family. She worked for three decades as a psychiatric nurse but also had fond memories of her years with the Cardiac Care Unit (also in Holyoke). She was proud of her ability to read ECG's and would playfully boast that Doctors would rarely question her assessments and recommendations! Susie met her husband, Michael, as a young student but their lives together began when they reunited in their 60's and married. She was surprised and happy to find love and companionship at this stage of her life. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Claire L. and Oliver J. Cote and is survived by her sister Cheryl and brothers Bill and Mark. We are all saddened by her passing but happy to have known and loved this wonderful wife, daughter, sister, Aunt and Nurse who left this world so much better than it was before she entered it. Donations in her memory to homeless family shelters for abused women.