Susan Kaye Gum Hill was born on June 15, 1948, in Houston, Texas. She passed away on August 15, 2024, at the age of 76.

Susan graduated from Sam Rayburn High School in 1967, where she was active in the Vocational Office Education (VOE) program. After school, she worked at Foley’s and then at Pasadena First State Bank. While in high school, she met and later married Donald Hill. Don served in the Army and was stationed in Germany, where she enjoyed her most cherished memories. Even in her later years, when her memory was limited, she would light up when talking about those times in Germany.

After Don's service, they returned to the United States and had two children: a son, Chad Ryan, and a daughter, Dondra Kaye. Susan also helped raise her grandson, Colton, with whom she shared a very special bond. She was blessed with four more grandchildren: Dylan, Dallas, Braedan, and Jade. As a grandmother, Susan was doting and incredibly proud of each of them.

While her children were young, Susan was a stay-at-home mom, always involved in their activities. Her home was often filled with the laughter of her children's friends. One of her favorite places was Garner State Park, and she had a deep love for the Hill Country, where she took many family vacations and continued to visit for years. She also had a passion for the water, always wanting to live near it, and spent many happy hours fishing.

Susan adored being with her family and was known for her energy and enthusiasm. As the oldest girl in her family, she took on the role of the boss, often starting phone calls with, "I've got a brainstorm!"—a signal for everyone to get ready for her next idea.

To her siblings and much of her family, she was affectionately known as "Susie," though her mother and older brothers called her "Susan." Most of her friends called her "Sue," and along the way, she became lovingly referred to as "Crazy Sue," a nickname she embraced. Susan had a magnetic personality, never met a stranger, and was often the life of the party. She was adventurous and always on the move, making sure there was rarely a dull moment when she was around.

Among her many friends, she especially cherished her lifelong friendships with Tawna Worrell and Sandra Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Gum; mother, Dorris Saladino; beloved stepfather, Anthony Saladino; brother, Tony Saladino; and sister, Mary Sademan. She is survived by her son, Chad (Brandy) Hill; daughter, Dondra Hill; five grandchildren: Colton (Andrew) Hill, Dylan (Alejandra) Hill, Dallas Hill, Braedan Hill, and Jade Hill; brothers, Ken (Jamie) Coons and Bob (Marilyn) Gum; sisters, Denise Saladino and Gina Howell; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a host of others who cherished her.

There is a deep void for all of us who had the privilege of sharing life with her, whether we knew her as Mama, Nana, Crazy Sue, Susan, Susie, or Sue. She was always a bright light in every room she entered and will be missed dearly.

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