Susan was my best friend for ages. We both lived on Don Felipe eventually although we met at 54th Street School when the Farrs moved to Windsor Hills. We attended Angeles Vista Presbyterian church. Went on all their trips to Forest Home, etc. We threw our faggots in the fire and pledged our lives to Jesus with everyone else. We sang the fabulous praise songs with gusto from "I'm on the battlefield for my Lord" to "Jesus is a Wonderful Savior." We also escaped from events and walked the river/stream that bordered Forest Home in Idyllwild (can't remember name just now!!!)
Some how we all managed to survive Marianna's loss of life in the back yard on Don Felipe. Sometimes I would drive to Dorsey or USC and sometimes Sue would drive. And we'd always crack up and would ask each other, "Do I owe you any money?" We always had enough between us to buy gas, snacks, or whatever.
My most entertaining memory was after my secondary credential and one year of teaching. Sue had attended the Sorbonne and agreed to tour Europe with me from about June 20 to September 4th or so, the day before school started. So I arrive in Paris, she takes me to the closest hotel to her very meager lodgings and first off she insists I not speak English as no one likes the Americans (this was 1965 I think). So I practiced my accent until she approved? "bonjour Madame, boujour Monsieur, Comment allez-vous"
Next We are invited to a dinner at the restaurant at the top of the Arc de Triomphe -yes there really is a restaurant up there. Once again I vow to not speak English. I speak excellent Spanish so I thought it was working. And then I realize Sue has a boyfriend. Ex husband of famous French actress (whose name escapes me just now). Eventually we all take off to the home on the Thames of the Exchequer of the Treasury who was present. We enter thru the gates and guards and go to the 2nd or 3rd story. By now I'm exhausted /yes even at 22 or 23, so as everyone crowds around the bar, I look out the window as the home's owner comes over and asks me IN ENGLISH, what music he might play to please me. A little Frank Sinatra he asks? Of course I thought I'd pulled it off, but no, and WHAT A RELIEF just to be American me!!!
Finally Sue breaks it to me that she is enjoying her relationship but that she might meet me July 15 in Nice if possible. And wonderfully that becomes possible as boyfriend disappears and Sue comes to Nice and one fateful day goes up to the bookstore and meets the most wonderful Guy Gabriele!!!!
Hey, you all know the rest of the story. Love you kiddos,
Judy Heaton Weightman
2
My condolences in the passing of your mother, Sue. She was a quiet force who encouraged others to listen to each other through Round Tables. She made a positive difference.
2
Ao sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. Susan and I were best friends in college and I was honored to have her as a bridesmaid in my wedding. She was always fun to be with. What a beautiful legacy she leaves with her family.
2
I met Sue for the first time in 2006 at the International Society for the Systems Sciences Conference in Wisconsin. I fell in love with her round table process, which I also facilitated sometimes. I will always cherish and adhere to Sue's passion for an open dialogue process.
3
Sue was always generous with her time and talent. She will be missed by her professional friends at INCOSE.
2
We can always be guided by your memory: “How would Sue handle this situation?”
Thanks for teaching us all ✨
4
There are no words to convey the depth of loss. My heart is with each and every family member, friend, associate and perhaps a stranger who's life she may have touched.
2
Sue and I were co-chairs of a group in our systems thinking organization. We quickly became friends. Her energy, enthusiasm, and work ethic was second to none. I miss you, my friend.
2
Sue was a dear friend in the Systems Science world. The best word to describe Sue is visionary. She wanted to reform the entire education system along systems principles. She made a proposal to the State education system. I helped her by editing the proposal with my additional thoughts. She was very appreciative.
2
Our deepest condolences to members of the bereaved family.As you reflect on her life,her contributions and legacy we pray that Almighty God will grant all the strength to come to terms with her passing and take comfort in her rich existence.
Uphold her legacy through your daily life by incorporating her morals and values in your simple and humble actions.
We pray Almighty God will grant her soul eternal rest and comfort you all with the strength to come to terms her passing.
H
1
I am so sorry to hear this. I am a member of ATD-LA and Sue was a standout at our chapter meetings. She made a difference and left a legacy. - Andrea Ridgely
1
Sue was so generous with her expertise and encouragement. When I first joined ATD she met with me in person and gave me her "gems" on how to get the most out of membership. Will miss her.
1
So very sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. I have known her for about 8 years and we enjoyed our friendship. We went to the movies and lunches and when she needed a ride to a appointment. We had great talks and I attended her book opening. She was a truly kind and remarkable lady and I will truly miss her. Wishing her dear family my condolences.
1
Sue and I met at USC and became immediate friends. We got together frequently after we married and had children. I will always remember her wit and intelligence. My condolences to Tony and Sylvie. She always talked about you with such pride. I will never forget my wonderful friend Sue.
2
Sue remains one of the kindest yet most impactful facilitators and practical teachers of leadership and business management i have come across. May her gentle soul find eternal rest in the life after (amen).
1
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Sue. She always lit up ISSS conferences and we had many great conversations. The conferences became synonymous with her ‘round table’ sessions and she contributed so much to the events. Her work on schools and education was a model of systemic thinking. Although she will be much missed, her legacy will live on.
2
I remember about 10 years ago I had a breakdown, your mom took me to the social security office, I was ready to give the lady who we were talking to a piece of my mind in a not so nice storm of words. Your mom put her hand on my shoulder and she told the lady what I needed. It may not sound impressive but believe me I still remember today how loving Sue was and how she helped me through a bad time. I miss her.
1
My condolences to the family. Sue and I met in a meeting years ago. Some years later we reconnected here at Breakwater. She was a brilliant woman who devoted her life to service. May angels sing her to her rest.
1
So sorry to hear of Sue's passing.. a gentle soul.. Godspeed, Sue
1
I stayed at Aunt Sue’s house after school for a couple years, and played with Tony and Sylvie! Very close part of my family, I am sorry that we lost her. Best wishes to Tony and Sylvie and let me know if you need anything.
In response to "What made Susan different from most people you know?"
1
I was Sue’s neighbor on the 4th floor of Breakwater Village. What a lovely lady she was! When I moved here in June 2018, she was the 1st person I met. I recall saying to her that day in the elevator, “you are my 1st friend here.” Over the next 5 years, I always enjoyed when our paths would cross. She was always so cheerful. Sue will be dearly missed. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.
1
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