Susan Lynn Challender
December 25, 2011
Susan Lynn Challender, 46, who tolerated being called Susie only by her family, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 25, 2011, at Mercy Medical Center, of a hemorrhagic stroke.
From the warrior bands tattooed on her upper arms to her search for a spiritual base outside traditional religion, Susan didn’t believe life was meant to be spent following others down well-traveled paths. She boldly leapt wherever her heart and intellectual curiosity led her, whether it was shooting darts, raising bees, or playing Skyrim.
Susan was a writer and poet who loved exploring the wonders of nature, whether she was gardening, watching finches at the feeder or shooting photos of the wildlife she chanced across while hiking. She had a degree in history from Drake University and a second degree in accounting computer systems from DMACC that was nearly complete. But out of everything she had achieved in her life, she considered her greatest accomplishments to be her daughters, Sarah and Rachel.
In addition to Sarah and Rachel, Susan is survived by her mother, Margaret Challender; sisters, Rose (Jeff) Richman and Mary Challender; brothers, Jim (Deb) and Tom (Robin) Challender; nieces and nephews, Jeff, John, Jacob, and Natasha Richman and Christian, Amber, Austin, Braidan, and Brooklyn Challender; aunt, Donna Sitzman; cousins, Bill, Bob, and David Watson, and Patty Cowden; and many beloved friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Winfield Thomas “Tom” Challender; who we hope, at this moment, is sitting at her side in heaven, listening to her explain Skyrim.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.
Memorial contributions may be made to Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, 12701 University Avenue, Clive, IA 50325, for an education fund for Sarah and Rachel.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Charle
11/03/2013
Susan was a dear friend of mine. We had parted ways, many years ago, not because of any ill will, but because the paths of our lives, which had converged for a time.....diverged... eventually. I loved Susan very deeply, and am very profoundly sorry that she is... No longer here among us. I can't bring myself to say that she is "gone".... But, I've only just become aware of her passing so... I'm late to the party, Susan! That isn't like me, huh? Not like me, at all.... I need to say it somewhere. Late, so late, I'll say it here... Knowing that I said it to you in life, but needing selfishly late to say it again, ..... I love you, Susan.
Peace and blessings to your family, and to all of us as we go on. Thank you so much Susan, for all you taught me, and for all we shared.
I will miss you forever, - Your friend, Charle.
Amanda (Pierre) Halbersma
12/30/2011
Mary, Sarah, Rachel - the news about your sister/mother just recently reached me. I can only imagine the depth of your sorrow - but from what I know about loss, it does seem that time heals. Stay strong! I'll be in touch soon. -Amanda
Mary (Croat) Reynolds
12/28/2011
I wasn't able to make it to the service today, but I want the family to know I am praying for all of you. I loved Susie, and I will always remember her as my best childhood friend. We drifted apart in our twenties, but even though I hadn't seen her in many years, I am so saddened by her passing. She was an amazing person and I'm grateful for all my memories of her.
Brent K. Vance
12/28/2011
May peace love and comfort blanket all. She was definetly the most powerful woman I have ever met. I learned more about the workings and blessings of life in our breif time together than any time in my life. We shared the same birthday and once spent one together up in the cupola of the Capitol. It was not what people would normally think, but oh how her teachings touched and blessed my life. I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today without her influence. Suz,Susie, I mean Susan...THANK YOU.... and Yes, I do.
Barbara J. Jay
12/28/2011
Susan and I worked together years ago. She believed in fairness and equity, even if it meant not following the status quo, and I respected her for that. She backed me up a few times as a coworker and stood up for me, and it was much appreciated. After working with Susan for awhile, I eventually started to call her Susie. At first I thought she didnt like it, but then I learned that it was okay, although hardly anyone was allowed to call her that!
I remember her showing me pictures of her twin girls, and talking about her sister Mary as well. I know that she will be very missed by many.
Leanah Bailey
12/28/2011
So very sad to see such a beautiful life end. I did not know Susan well but remembered her from when she was a young girl and my husband and I were friends with Jim. I remember her being very high sprited and always had a mischevious smile! I gather from her obituary she did things her own way. Good for her!
Our sympathies to her family,
Leanah and Darry Bailey
Shanna Rokey
12/28/2011
Just wanted the family to know that my thoughts are with you all, Margaret, Rose, Mary, Sarah, Rachel,John, Jacob, Nikki, Jeff - You all are like family to me and Susie was always around for all the holidays and birthdays that we Rokey's were so lucky to attend with your family,,,and she was always so nice to talk to. I was lucky to have had the chance to know her.
Thinking of you all,
Sincerely,
Shanna Rokey
marty crowder
12/28/2011
Mary, I just want to tell how sorry for your loss i am; my heart goes out to you and your family. Thinking about you! Marty
Tom Carney
12/28/2011
Hi, Mary.
So sorry to hear about Susan's death. I have a vague recollection of having met her. I've always been an admirer of you, however, so being your sister, she must have been a grand person.
I'll pray for her, and for you and your family.
Tom Carney
Bonnie Feldman
12/28/2011
Susan has been such a huge influence on my family. Rachel and Sarah are the same age as my daughter, Evelyn, and they have been close since 4th grade. We are in shock still that this has happened, and Ev is inconsolable. Susan was such a creative powerhouse, so open with her views and ideas, and so warm and caring. Her influence will continue to ripple through the lives of those who knew her for a long, long time.
Peg Mattison
12/28/2011
I also went to Dowling and Drake with Susan. She was always so kind and cool to me. My prayers and thoughts goes to Susan and her family.
Gregory Nemec
12/27/2011
One of the sharpest, most interesting, least conventional people I have known. Susie, Margie, and I were in the top reading group in eighth grade at St. John's Catholic School, and that was the first time I ever had literate conversations about anything. She sneaked in the script for Monty Python's Life of Brian so I could read it in eighth grade, which I did, hidden under a textbook. We left school early junior year to see Return of the Jedi. We played poker. We talked late into the summer nights. Most people speed down the superhighway at 100 miles per, barely aware; Susie took off on foot over rough terrain and saw every rock, root, and thornbush.
Dave Cox
12/27/2011
I am very sorry to hear about Susie. She was a big part of my development
into adulthood. She represented intellect, friendship, and womenhood early
in my life and no doubt had a profound impact on who I am. I know you
understand that her time on earth mattered. She added to the quality
of life and I hope you and she are at peace.
Dr. Sylvia Nemmers
12/27/2011
I was one of the lucky few who knew her as Susie. Sadly, our life paths took us in different directions, still her beautiful spirit and unique view of the world has always tinted my life (I am sure she never new that). To the Challander clan; my heartfelt condolences for you loss. With a person as special and substantive as Suzie, I know this loss is enormous, but remember how lucky you have been to share so much of your lives with her. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sr. Cathy Talarico
12/27/2011
Margaret and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are remembered in thought and prayer.
Sr. Cathy Talarico, CHM