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In memory of

Susan Helfrich Dauphin

Lantana, FL, USA

September 1, 1928 - May 24, 2019

Sep 1, 1928 - May 24, 2019

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Susan H. Dauphin, aged 90, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, 24 May, at JFK Hospital. Sue’s end was peaceful, and her beloved daughter Katie Dauphin Collins was by her side. In addition to Katie, Sue is survived by her son, Bill Dauphin (Anne), their daughter Mara Caelin (Derek), and Sue’s great grandson Ryker Caelin, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husbands Vernon M. Dauphin, Jr., and Edgar D. Gates.
Sue had an array of talents, including jewelry design, painting, ceramic sculpture, and writing. She worked as a design draftsman in FL in the early Space Age, and then moved to Houston, TX, in the early 60s. There she finished her education (U. of Houston: BA ’76; MA ’79) and began a long career as a writer. She covered the theater and arts scene in newspaper reviews and radio shows, and wrote a comprehensive theater history, Houston by Stages. She was a member of the American Theatre Critics Assoc. She wrote the book and lyrics for a musical, Transit.
After retiring to Jupiter, FL, Sue continued to write, publishing several books on Sjogren’s Syndrome and Parkinson’s Disease (some of which were published internationally), writing and producing award-winning instructional videos, and working on novels. She worked as a patients’ advocate for both Sjogren’s and Parkinson’s, speaking at international conferences, advising Congress, and serving as a board member and president of the National Sjogren’s Syndrome Assoc.
At Vi at Lakeside Village in Lantana, FL, where Sue met her second husband, Ed, and many great friends, she continued writing and painting, and enjoyed choral singing, ceramics, and caring for her pets.
Sue will be remembered in a Celebration of Life at Vi at Lakeside Village (2792 Donnelly Dr. Lantana, FL 33462) on Monday, 3 June, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm; she will be interred at Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL, at a later date.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Learn more & give