Susan Jordan Obituary

Susan "Suzi" Jordan passed away at her home in Lawrence, KS on December 5, 2021. Suzi was born Sept. 1, 1940 in Jamestown, KS to Richard Lavere Kidwell and Irma Leola Gray Kidwell. She attended Coffeyville, KS public schools, graduating from Field McKinley High School where she met the love of her life, Thomas Joe Jordan. She is survived by sisters Jolene Sevart of Wichita KS and Victoria Martin of Longmont, Colo. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard Kidwell, and her husband Tom.

Tom and Suzi were devoted life partners for 62 years until his death in March 2021. They raised three daughters, Holly Jordan of Asheville, NC (Teresa Fralix), Christina Jordan of Lawrence, KS (Wayne Schroeder), and Jill Jordan of Kansas City, MO (Steve Kidwell) and enjoyed five grandchildren, Ben Selk, Kellen Gaston (Cory), Daniel Selk (Tammy Vu), Hannah Selk, Christopher Kidwell, and Saffron Kidwell (Elim Sidus). Great-grandchildren, Addyson Welch and Trip and Evy Johnson, brought great joy to "PapaSuzi."

While raising their daughters, Suzi completed her bachelor's and master's degrees in education with honors at the University of Kansas. She taught English and mass media at Lawrence High School, but spent most of her career as an education consultant for gifted students at Central Junior High School in Lawrence and in Olathe, KS. Suzi taught for 25 years and loved encouraging young people's creative and intellectual development.

Suzi and Tom thrived in the house they built in rural Lawrence with Suzi's sunlit art studio and Tom's workshop (Jordan Woodworks & Studio). Their home reflected their loving creative partnership and connection to local artists. Suzi was an award-winning pastel artist. Her beautiful work, especially her spectacular landscapes, appeared in national and international group exhibitions. Career highlights included joint exhibits with other women artists from the US and Canada. In addition to art, she loved philosophy, music, and literature. She was an avid reader throughout her life. She followed politics and world events and was quick to discuss her (strong!) views on the state of affairs. Suzi and Tom loved domestic and international travel. Suzi spent many exhilarating and productive summer vacations with fellow artists and loved ones in Taos, NM, a favorite destination. Suzi will be missed for her artistic spirit, adventurous curiosity, love of learning, and deep caring.

Special thanks go to Jenny and Warren Wingo, Kansas In-Home Care, LLC, and Prairie Wind Hospice.

A celebration of her life is tentatively planned for January 22, 2022 in Lawrence, KS. Details to be provided later.

Memorials may be sent to Audubon of Kansas and Family Promise of Lawrence.