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Susan Anne Gelvin, our darling daughter, was born in Denver, CO on May 28, 1983. The joy that she brought into our lives is immeasurable. Susan's childhood was spent in Lawrence where she brought delight into the lives of grandparents, Laskowski and Gelvin.
She attended Broken Arrow Elementary School, South Junior High and Lawrence High School from which she graduated in 2001. She attended both KSU and KU graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies and a Master's Degree with Honors in Urban Planning. During her career she worked for the Doña Anna County Government in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and since 2013 for the City of Topeka's Planning Department. She took great pride in her work and her ability to communicate with the various community groups and individuals in preparing neighborhood plans for their improvement. Her stories of meetings and people were a delight to us.
Her passions in life were family, horses, crafts and camping. It was during her most recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park that she became injured. She was always a champion of anyone who needed help or healing from being a regular blood donor to ultimately becoming an organ donor, Susan constantly strived to make the world a better place. But now, she is together again with Grandma, Big Ski, and her beloved cats, Tigger and Fluffy. The extent of her good heart and love of life cannot be described.
She belonged to the American Planning Association and was a Life Member of the NRA. She attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church since returning to Topeka.
Survivors include her parents Joann and Ralph Gelvin, Jr.; her brother, Matthew Gelvin; her grandparents, Donna and Ralph Gelvin, Sr.; aunts, Barbara Kosalka, Carolyn Jensen, Carol Laskowski, Sharylyn Lacey; uncles, Charles and Mike Laskowski, Stan Kosalka; and eight cousins. Her grandparents, Charles "Big Ski" and Anna Laskowski preceded her in death.
Mass of Christian Burial for Susan will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 30, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. with a visitation to follow until 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 29th at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
Memorial donations can be sent to the Topeka Rescue Mission or St. Joseph's Germanfest Fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
When we go to St Joe with Father Tim, I always remember beautiful Susan; smart, pretty and a million dollar smile. Susan was very special and still missed by her friends!
Toni Beck
Toni Beck
Work
September 26, 2022
I just found out that Susan had past away. We worked well together at Dona Ana County. I always remember the first time out in the field we went to a Mexican restaurant and she asked if the salsa was hot I said no and she tried it and I noticed she didn't look pleased. She thought I had pranked her. I told her it wasn't hot for me and she will get used to it. Right before I left the county I asked her if she got used to chile yet. She said yeah and how her family was amazed that she could eat stuff that hot. We worked together on a project in Chapparal in the field and got to know her as a smart really sweet hard working person. I will miss her. God Bless.
Carlos Benavides
November 3, 2016
JoAnn,
I am deeply saddened to hear that Susan passed so suddenly. My daughter, Jenna, attended Broken Arrow for several years and both were together in so many activities.
What I remember the most was their extra curricular time at horse riding lessons when my two girls and Susan were enjoying the countryside and animals. I was so lucky to spend time with you and your son, Matthew, as we shared this adventure with the girls. Susan was absolutely sweet just like you, JoAnn. My sympathy and prayers are for you and your family.
Ronda Schulte
October 6, 2016
Susan could light up a room with her beautiful smile. We worked on a Westboro neighborhood project for two years together. She was a charming and intelligent lady. Topeka is lesser in her passing.
Toni Beck
September 30, 2016
Joann, I was stunned to hear of the untimely death of your beloved daughter. May she rest in the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Marie Willis
September 30, 2016
To Susan's family,
Susan's big bright smile was a great gift to KU's Urban Planning program. That smile will be greatly missed.
Kirk McClure
Kirk McClure
September 30, 2016
Sharylyn and Ski,
So sorry to see this. I lost my son in an accident a few years back so I do know how you are feeling. Feel free to contact me @ 817-938-7457 if you would like to talk.
Dave Harrell
September 29, 2016
My daughter is Susan's age, with very similar education and hobbies. I cannot imagine your sorrow, but extend my prayers and condolences to you all.
Beth Stone
September 29, 2016
On behalf of the Westboro Homeowners Association, we express our deepest sympathy! Susan was instrumental in helping us with the NCD! (By the time she was finished with this project, she KNEW everything about all the homes, streets, architectural design.) Susan, was such an AMAZING individual! We will miss her immensely!
Julie Friedstrom
Julie Friedstrom
September 29, 2016
I was shocked and saddened when I heard the news of Susan's passing. In her time here at the Dona Ana County Planning Dept. she touched me and all her co-workers with her joy and beautiful heart. I, and many others, will miss her greatly. My thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.
Steve Meadows
September 29, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She sounds like a beautiful soul. Knowing your family, this is no surprise at all. Please know thoughts of healing are with you all at this difficult time.
Karen Roberts
September 29, 2016
Extremely sorry to hear about this. Condolences and prayers for the family.
Greg DiVilbiss
September 28, 2016
I'm so sorry for the tragic loss your family has suffered. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Janet Stallard
September 28, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Gelvin family, and to those she touched. May the Peace of our Lord be with you always. I met and enjoyed Susan when she came to work for Dona Ana County; such a beautiful person. She was so crafty, she made me "Pot Scrubbers". She helped socialize our kittens here at our Kitty Kondo project by holding or taking kittens to her cubical. You never knew when she had a kitten hidden in her sweater. I am so blessed that she crossed my path.
ReBecky Garcia, Las Cruces, NM
September 28, 2016
I remember visiting Susan's house and walking to school together in elementary school and junior high. We would gallop around the playground like horses! Although we drifted apart in high school, I have always had fond memories of Susan when I would drive past her childhood home. I am so sorry for your loss. Susan and all of her family is in my thoughts and my heart.
September 28, 2016
Susan was a member of our Jazzercise family, always wearing a signature bandanna on her head during her workouts. Her smile lit up the room!
Shelley Gower
September 28, 2016
my condolences goes out to her family.
laura gentry
September 27, 2016
We were lucky enough to participate in one of her neighborhood groups she probably told stories about! We loved working with her! She was just a doll and I am so sorry for your loss.. we just respected her and admired her so much --- our sincere sympathies are with her family and friends... ..wishing you Peace and Comfort -
Tom and Nancy Hedges
Nancy Hedges
September 27, 2016
I knew Susan from our masters program at KU. I worked with her on a few projects and can attest to the quality and care she devoted to her work and the joy she brought to those around her. It was always a hope of mine that we would work together again. The world is definitely a darker place without Susan, especially since she devoted her life to improving it for others. My condolences to the family.
Nick Pappas
September 27, 2016
There are no words to express the emotional devastation that so many are experiencing right now. My heart grieves from the loss of such a dear and wonderful friend. Those of us at Doña Ana County adored her. We've been sharing tears and memories of Susan with each other since hearing the news. She touched the lives and hearts of so many. She was loved by many and more importantly I believe she knew and felt that love especially the love and devotion of her family. Sadly we are forced to move forward without her as her soul begins a new journey. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Angela Roberson
September 27, 2016
My sincere condolences. I met Susan when she came to Las Cruces, NM and worked here at Doña Ana County. She was amazing and I took to her immediately. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May the Lord provide you all the strength to get through this terrible loss. Luv ya my "Kansas" girl.
Misty Dawn Benavidez
September 27, 2016
Ralph and Joann, our hearts are breaking for you, Matt, and all your family. What a terrible, shocking loss! That Susan could be snatched away in the prime of life, doing something she loved, is incomprehensible to us. We are so saddened. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love and greatest sympathy to all of you. Bruce & Joani
Bruce Lacey
September 27, 2016
I am so saddened by the passing of such a wonderful young woman. Susan would come out to my barn and ride horses for me when she was in High School. Please except my condolences.
Susan Ashley
September 27, 2016
I wish to express my condolences to the family. Words seem insufficient at this difficult time. We all need comfort when a loved one dies. May you find real comfort and relief from our heavenly Father, family and friends; and as a result, begin to recover gradually from the pain. Love from those around you will help you through the days ahead. The precious memories of your loved one will bring you comfort.
Nancy P.
September 27, 2016
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of such a wonderful lady. We only knew each other professionally, but she was also so easy to talk to, very funny, and very kind. She will certainly be missed by all those she has impacted.
Erin Ollig
September 27, 2016
So very sorry for your lose. Susan was a wonderful person.
Karen Whipple
September 27, 2016
We'll miss you !
Adrian Barnette
September 27, 2016
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