Susan Kroudvird VanDenBerg

Susan VanDenBerg was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Eleanor and William Kroudvird. She graduated from American University in 1974 and later pursued a career as a court reporter. In the 1980s, Susan settled in Durango, CO and married Alan Lee VanDenBerg, with whom she shared her son Logan Williams VanBenBerg. 

Susan was a hands-on mother who encouraged Logan to follow his passions – good food, live music, skiing, and to be grounded in the Jewish faith. Susan developed a passion for pottery in college and quickly became a skilled artist. She created beautiful pieces in her home studio and local stores carried her work. She made beautiful pottery up until the last six months of her life. 

Susan loved travel, with some of her most memorable trips being Israel, Thailand, and Mexico. Walking on a beach, swimming, or yoga were her go-to ways to relax. Susan’s last trip to Washington, DC was to attend an Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance conference to provide her perspective of living with ovarian cancer to clinicians and researchers. She relished the role of advocacy for the illness and helped bring comfort to other patients in peer support groups. 

Susan had many friends over seven decades of her life. Her radiant smile and bright spirit showed her love for her friends and family. She also loved animals and had many dogs throughout life, providing companionship and comfort to her. Susan is survived by her son, Logan and her poodle, Raffi.