Ring Figure Dance — with Susan Jensen

I met Susan at Big Meadows campground in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia when she visited the area looking at colleges.  I was a student at Virginia Military Institute working at the campground that summer, and we connected.  For the week or so her family was there, she and I walked, talked, attended naturalists' programs.  She was enchanting, and I was smitten.  We kept in touch, and when she attended Sweet Briar College nearby, we dated.  Dating a VMI cadet was arduous for a girl, with no cars, draconian curfews, restrictions, etc.  During my junior year, I invited her to my Ring Figure weekend, when juniors received their class rings during a formal dance and ceremony.  For a girl, an invite to Ring Figure meant you were special, and she was.  I still have the formal portrait of us, which I will post on this site when I can figure out how.  I have crudely cropped for this posting because it is about her, not me or even us.

The next year I received a sweet, gentle letter informing me she had met a guy at UVa and they intended to be exclusive, so she was gone.  Until now.  Something a couple of days ago prompted me to inquire after her.  Old people do that now, given the internet.  I Googled "Susan Jensen Bloomington Minnesota" and this obituary site popped up immediately.  I see her, instantly recognizable, and obviously adored by her family and friends.  She was a treasure to me, and I could only wish that she was to others, as well.

I shared a quad (four of us) with Sue junior year at Sweet Briar College. Feel lucky to read about and see these wonderful happy photos of what happened next - after ‘72. Looks like not much changed with Sue. Especially that smile! When I think Sue I think vivid. Bright eyed, direct and fun. Lots of restless energy and a girl who went for what she wanted in academics, career life.  Mostly not worrying what other people around her were doing or saying about it. Sue was always in a hurry, rushing in and out of the dorm and travelling weekends. But super aware of everything going around her and in the world. I saw her in London a last time after Sweet Briar, she must have been photographing some European athletic championships. I was so dazzled that she had turned herself into a proper paid professional freelance  photo journalist. Seemed a faraway impossibility to me. Wonderful that continued and that she later worked as an RN for many years.  Happy event that in 2022  Sue and ‘72 SBC classmates could come full circle and reconnect fifty years on. A long trip to Virginia that would have taken some steely willpower. Travel well from here Sue. A life so not wasted, seems like you kept it radiant. Happy to have briefly been in your company for a short part of the journey.

Sue at Linda Allen’s retirement party — with Sue Jensen

Angel Wings — with Susan Jensen

After reading this - I felt such pain. Sue has ben aa very influential and creative person in my life and sons life. She was always so very giving of her spirit - she made the room, or soccer field, track meet or wherever light up up because of her kindness and gracious demeanor. I will miss celebrating life with her - we did not see each other much at the end but we had wonderful phone conversations. She raised three wonderful human beings. Her children were fortunate to have her as a mother - she was free spirited and gave them inner knowledge that they will have forever. Godspeed to you three. With love, Janeen

Knowing Sue was an adventure at the least.  I met her Philly, back in 1972.  She was such a carefree spirit racing around the area taking photos of basketball games.  Sometimes we developed film in my apartment kitchen after blocking the windows.  At some point she met Carl, had CJ, and was gone until CJ was playing basketball against Penn.  Proud momma traveled to see him play. That was our last connection until fb.  She was a star, always shining her happiness.

I am sitting here in disbelief.  It's a shame to loose such a wonderful person, but knowing everyone in the family has a million amazing memories means you have all been blessed.  May she rest in peace.

Even in high school, Sue was special & knew she had to travel & meet people!

Sue’s unique style❤️💙

Grandma Sue, Grandpa Bill, Auntie Courtney, and I 💕

Grandma Sue and I in the pool at Aunt Becky’s house

Sue, Bill, and the grandkids on Flyover America in Minnesota❤️

Sue, Samaiya, and Lois ❤️