Suzanne Nevins

Suzanne Nevins
Edwardsville - On an unusually sunny 75-degree day, just one day after her 75th birthday, Suzanne Shaw Nevins passed away peacefully after courageously battling health issues for the past several months. It was almost as if the sunshine and open windows offered a gentle welcome home for a woman who brought so much light into the lives of others.
Suzanne was born on February 26, 1951. Life asked much of her at an early age, as she lost her mother, Ruth, at the age of four. That early loss shaped Suzanne's generous heart and deep devotion to friends, family, and community.
Suzanne's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. She is survived by her three children, Dionna Raedeke (Daniel), Emilie Nevins-Carter (Micah), and David Nevins (Stacey). She was a proud and loving "Nana" to her sweet grandchildren, Gramm (20), Mallory (22), Elsie (8), Miles (6), Millie (3), Abigail (17), Milo (17), Mia (16), and Maris (13). She also leaves behind six "furry grandkids," who brought her great amusement and whom she adored. She is also survived by her brother, Rob Shaw (Becky). Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband, Don, in 2003 as well as her mother in 1955; her step-brother, Richard in 1973; her father, Evan in 1981; her step-mother, Margaret in 1997; and her brother, Bill in 2015.
Suzanne devoted 36 years of her professional life to Boeing, where she worked as an administrative assistant. She took great pride in her work, rarely missed a day, and formed lasting friendships with colleagues. She had a natural ability to lead - "the boss without being the boss." "Shaw's don't quit" was a phrase she often used, reflecting her belief in showing up and persevering.
Music was woven into the fabric of Suzanne's life and was among her greatest joys. She loved singing and playing the piano, using music to express her faith, connect with others, and bring beauty into everyday moments. She could often be heard whistling and was known to "conduct" enthusiastically while driving.
Suzanne also had many humorous ways of saying things that became her signature phrases and made everyone laugh: "Twanger" (remote control), "Bajamies" (pajamas), "Ice Box" (refrigerator), and "Woke Up Where?" when she didn't understand what was said. She was a funny lady with a heart of gold, and her favorite color was pink.
She had a strong circle of friends going back to elementary school, many of whom remained lifelong companions. If you knew someone from Edwardsville, there was a strong possibility that Suzanne knew them too - or knew their family tree. She adored her classmates from the EHS Class of 1969.
Suzanne was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where choir practice was one of her weekly highlights. She deeply loved her church community. An Edwardsville girl through and through, she took great pride in her hometown and was a proud board member of Opera Edwardsville and The Friends of the Wildey.
While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in imagining her reunited with Don and her mother, Ruth, and in knowing that the bright light she brought into this world will continue to shine through all who loved her sweet spirit.
She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
VISITATION: Weber & Rodney Funeral Home, Edwardsville: Wednesday, March 4th from 4-7pm
SERVICE: First Presbyterian Church, Edwardsville: Thursday, March 5th, 11am
**Please wear something Soft Pink to honor Suzanne!
In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials can be made in Sue's honor to: Opera Edwardsville, The Friends of The Wildey Theatre, First Presbyterian Church of Edwardsville or Edwardsville Arts Center. Condolences may be shared online at weberfuneralhome.com