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Susan Givens Obituary
Susan Mary Gillett Givens, 72, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on June 3, 2015. She was born on May 13, 1943 in Racine, WI, to Mary and Lyman Gillett, the oldest of three daughters. She graduated from Washington Park High School in 1961, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1965. While in Madison, Sue met her soulmate, Richard Spencer Givens, and they married on June 25, 1966. Sue and Rich moved to Ames, IA where their first daughter, Barbara was born. In 1967, Rich accepted a faculty position in the Chemistry Department at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS and there they established their roots, welcoming three more daughters. Sue was employed by Lawrence Memorial Hospital as a Registered Nurse in the Obstetrics/Gynecology unit from 1970 until her retirement in 2005.
During her nursing career, Sue served on numerous committees at LMH and the Kansas State Nurses Association, working to address healthcare needs that she and others had identified, including the founding of the Infant-Loss Support Group at LMH. She was very active in the First Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder, a Deacon and a Parish Nurse. Sue was also a regular volunteer at FPC, as well as at Ten Thousand Villages, Just Food and Health Care Access, and other community organizations. She was a tireless advocate for those in need, working with others to lessen the world's injustices.
Sue was a devoted wife, mother and friend, serving others in quiet, unassuming ways. She is remembered for her welcoming home, wonderful family meals, an encouraging note attached to a jar of her Jayhawk Jam, care packages containing "treasures" from the Church rummage sale, or a celebratory candle on your supper plate for a job well done. She cherished her opportunities to develop new and lasting friendships with women in the University Women's Club, Eve Circle, the Jabberwalkers, her sewing group and book clubs. Sue especially loved holidays, every celebration rich with tradition that her family will continue in her honor. University students, staff, and faculty in the Chemistry Department at KU were always made welcome guests to the Givens' home on holidays and for other celebrations. Sue loved to travel and accompanied Rich on many adventures around the world in addition to her frequent visits to children and grandchildren in other states.
Sue was the beloved wife of Richard, married 49 years, a loving mother of 4 daughters: Barbara J. Heeb (Jon), Elizabeth I. Porter (Jack), Madison, WI, Marjory L. Givens (Trey Sato), Madison WI and Mary E. Givens, Lawrence KS. She was also a proud grandmother of six grandchildren: Rachel and Harrison Heeb, Cameron and Clare Porter, and Jane and Jeffrey Sato Givens. Sue is survived by her sisters, Martha Spacek, Topeka, KS and Nancy Reeser (Dennis), Racine, WI, and by many nieces and nephews.
Sue's ashes will be laid to rest at Pioneer Cemetery and along the lakeshore of their Sunset View cabin in the North woods of Wisconsin, her favorite place on earth. A Memorial Celebration of Sue's life is planned for Saturday, June 20th at 3pm at the First Presbyterian Church.
The family would like to thank Dr.Stein and his staff at LMH Oncology and Andy Lewis and staff at VNA hospice for their exceptional care of Sue.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Sue's name to First Presbyterian Church funds designated for the Parish Nurses, the Presbyterian Women, the Eco Team or to Health Care Access, Just Food or to a charity of your choice. And please enjoy a scoop of Iwig's ice cream in her honor.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Givens
Carla Phipps
June 30, 2015
Sue was always the kindest, gentlest nurse-a truly compassionate and lovely spirit. So sorry for your loss.
Amy Carlson
June 30, 2015
Sue was a student of mine at the Arts Center long ago. She has a spirit and caring energy that will stay with all those who let her in. Good people like her are hard to come by in this world.
Beau Atwater
June 20, 2015
Gretchen and I are so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. Sue was a marvelous and welcoming hostess for all our years in graduate school. She was much loved and will be much missed.
Judith Evans
June 18, 2015
Barb and Jon Heeb and family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and all your family at this time of sorrow. Judy Evans
Maureen Bernhagen
June 18, 2015
My deepest sympathies on your loss of a wonderful lady. She will be missed by many!
Yvonne Martinez
June 17, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Sue was a kind and generous person who made me feel that she cared about you. She will be missed.
June 17, 2015
Sorry to hear this news. We at FPC & LMH will miss her greatly! You are all in my prayers. Jill (Brandenburg) Adams
June 17, 2015
I'm sorry to learn of Sue's passing. She will be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother.
Melissa Allan
Diane Pope
June 12, 2015
As a member of the local health community I felt so fortunate to work with Sue on the infant-loss support group & other committees
throughout her many years at LMH. Sue was such a thoughtful, caring nurse and friend to so many.
Blessings for each one of you,
Diane Pope
Sylvia Black
June 11, 2015
I worked with Sue from 1986 until her retirement in 2005. I will remember her love of Jazz music in the nursery,her quiet calming voice,her smile,and her love of the babies. I asked her once why she worked nights and she said"it works best for my family". I didn't know it then but 25 years later I still work nights thanks to those wise words. Sue you will be missed.
Brad Bransky
June 10, 2015
Sue was and will continue to be in my heart and mind, at the top of the finest, most generous, caring, happy, welcoming people I have ever known. These memories of her as a neighbor and friend will live on. She will be so remembered by many for a very long time.
Cheryl Harmon
June 8, 2015
Rich, Barb, Beth, Margy and Meg
I will miss Sue's voice over the phone and her visits of friendship but she will always be with each one of us who had the gift of knowing her. She has shared with each of us her faith, grace and love. Sue will always be with us in our memories of a wonderful friend. I will miss her very much.
Donice LaGrange
June 8, 2015
I was so saddened to hear of Sue's passing today. I shared many wonderful times with her in our Red Hat group and remember her kind and gentle ways. She was the first person I met in Lawrence at her home and remember how welcoming she was. She will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
June 8, 2015
We are very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. We are so happy that we got to know her when she came to Madison to visit her grandkids and family. She was a very special woman with a big heart. Love, Cindy, Pat and Anne - Madison Wisconsin
Mike George
June 8, 2015
It is impossible to find words that express Sue's wonderful human qualities better than the other writers have done. In addition, we knew her as a devout Christian and we know that she is with our Father. Our prayers and wishes of comfort to Rich and all her family.
Toshi and Kumiko Kato
June 7, 2015
We are very sorry to hear of Sue's passing.
The memories of wonderful lady,Sue will be forever with us. Our condolences to Richi and all the family
members.
Elaine McCormick
June 7, 2015
Beth and family I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing..My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and to your Dad and sisters..
Pete Peterson
June 7, 2015
Sue was a remarkable lady and a true friend to Bonnie and for that I am enternally greatful. She will be missed by all of us that had the privlege of knowing her. My condonlences to you Rich and your family
connie hammer
June 7, 2015
Sue was a true Christian who led by example. My girls and I are better people for having the pleasure of knowing Sue. Peace and love be with you all.
Toshi & Kumiko Kato
June 7, 2015
We are very sorry to hear of Sue's passing. The memories of wonderful lady Sue will be forever with us. Our condolences to Rich and all the family members.
Marlene Merrill
June 6, 2015
Sue participated in UWC evening book group for many years. She was an avid reader and very insightful. I will her comments but I will especially miss her friendship.
Nicole Rials
June 6, 2015
I had the privilege of working with Sue when I was the Social Worker for the LMH Maternal-Child Unit. Sue and I co-facilitated the infant-loss support group and traveled together for training during its initial planning stages. When I first met Sue, she expressed her passion to develop advanced support for families who experienced the loss of an infant. Over the years, she approached each family with grace, love and compassion. Her soft spoken voice and quiet demeanor were strength to many. God's love and care to her family.
Connie Kindsvater
June 6, 2015
What a beautiful person! Rich, you and Sue were two of my favorite people I met at First Presbyterian! My sympathy to you and your family!
Mary & Brower Burchill
June 6, 2015
Our thoughts are with you in this sad time in sorrow and remembrance.
Mickey Dick
June 6, 2015
It is a unique gift to interact with such an inspirational woman and her loving family. Thank you for allowing me along on part of the journey. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Michele Vieux
June 6, 2015
This is a perfect tribute for Sue and exactly how I remember her. Sending many positive vibes and warm thoughts your way. She was an amazing woman and had such a positive impact on so many lives. I know she will live on in each of you!
Lee Cross
June 6, 2015
Am terribly sorry for your loss of this wonderful soul. I knew her youngest daughter growing up in Lawrence, and there was no one more kind, smart, and giving person than her. I can only assume Meg learned that passion for life and people from her mother and father. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Kim Polson
June 6, 2015
Thinking of you, Barb, as your family grieves and reflects on the life of your wonderful mother, Sue. The Health Care Access family is inspired by yours.
Jehan Reagan
June 5, 2015
It's nice to hear about all the positive things she's contributed as well as her going peacefully. Also happy the family was all there.
June 5, 2015
Condolences from the family of Pat Weed.
Laren Tolbert
June 5, 2015
I know Sue will be missed terribly. She will live on in the memories of her family and friends, whom she loved so much.
June 5, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. I worked with her at LMH. She was such a good mentor to me as a new nurse. Sue's quiet and loving care of her family and patients was a gift she shared. Peace and love to the Givens family. May Sue rest in eternal peace. Holly Simonich
June 5, 2015
It was an honor knowing this amazing lady and her indomitable family. So many lives were touched in such positive ways by Sue and she shared her Christian beliefs with everyone she met. She will be greatly missed in the physical being, but will aways be with us in her spiritual ways that she showed us while she was with us. Thank you, Sue. Sammie and Carl Locke
Bob Trepinski
June 5, 2015
Sue was a very beautiful person who practiced being fully present to whoever she was interacting with. A pure joy to be around and humble to acknowledging the positive impact she had on many others. My condolences to all the family members and close friends. I feel enriched and privileged to have known her. God's got another great one home. Rest in His Peace.
Tom Patton
June 5, 2015
My sympathy to you and your family, Rich.
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