Susan Austed Gardner
March 25, 1959 ~ July 17, 2016
Susan Austed was born March 25, 1959 to Bud and Peggy Austed of Wayzata, Minnesota. She enjoyed a happy Midwestern upbringing with her sister, Kathy and brother, Brad. After graduating from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1981, Susan adventurously struck out for Salmon, Idaho to start her elementary teaching career.
Susan fell in love with Idaho's natural beauty and people, and spent several years teaching in Salmon and Leadore. In 1986, Susan moved to Boise and soon married Ben McConnell. In 1991, Susan gave birth to Kathryn Ann McConnell and throughout the years mother and daughter shared a closeness that was a marvel to watch. Susan and Ben put their heart and soul into raising Katie, even after divorcing in 1996. Ben remains an appreciated member of the blended family.
Susan married Richard Gardner in 2000. It was the love of both of their lives, and a very happy 16 years ensued. Susan was purposeful and graceful in bringing Katie and Dick's three sons, Charlie, Andrew and Brett, together to form a close blended family. The family shared camping trips, rafting, sporting events and holiday traditions together. Susan and Dick enjoyed traveling together to places including Italy, Turkey and China, and their annual anniversary trips to Stanley were favorite adventures of Susan's.
Teaching was Susan's true mission in life, and her career spanned roles in Salmon, Leadore, Emmett and at the Children's School and Village Charter schools in Boise. Susan's belief and delight in each child shone through in her buoyant spirit and expressive face. She crafted lessons around children's interests, creatively covering topics like insects, the Dust Bowl, rocks, birds, incubating eggs and the Alaskan Iditarod. Susan taught with an enthusiasm and intelligence that inspired children and parents alike. To the end, Susan remained humble about her teaching talents, but there are hundreds of former first and second graders who will forever remember Mrs. Gardner and the way she taught them to be curious about the world.
A major arc in Susan's life was her recovery from alcoholism. She was active in a twelve step program for nearly 22 years. Susan helped many recovering alcoholics through her honest and often humorous sharing of her emotional and spiritual life, and she worked individually with many women. Susan was accepting of others, and she demonstrated through example how to be true to oneself and become a better person. She had a deep and abiding faith in her Higher Power and persistently worked to maintain that relationship.
Susan Gardner was truly a brilliant and beautiful person. Her joyous laughter and beaming smile lit up any room. She had a way of making every person feel special and appreciated. Susan's love of life was contagious.
On June 11, Susan suffered from a ruptured brain aneurysm while in the Columbia Gorge. Despite phenomenal care from doctors and nurses at the Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Susan passed away on July 17. She left peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends.
Susan is survived by her husband Dick, her daughter Katie, stepsons Charlie, Andrew, and Brett, brother Brad, sister Kathy, four nieces and three nephews. A host of friends in Boise and beyond have been deeply affected by her passing, but will carry her forever in their hearts.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 11 AM at the shelter at Municipal Park in Boise, with a luncheon immediately following. Donations may be made to the Susan Gardner Scholarship Fund at The Children's School of Boise. Physical memorials will be constructed at both The Children's School and the Village Charter School.
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 31, 2016
March 25, 1959 ~ July 17, 2016
Susan Austed was born March 25, 1959 to Bud and Peggy Austed of Wayzata, Minnesota. She enjoyed a happy Midwestern upbringing with her sister, Kathy and brother, Brad. After graduating from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1981, Susan adventurously struck out for Salmon, Idaho to start her elementary teaching career.
Susan fell in love with Idaho's natural beauty and people, and spent several years teaching in Salmon and Leadore. In 1986, Susan moved to Boise and soon married Ben McConnell. In 1991, Susan gave birth to Kathryn Ann McConnell and throughout the years mother and daughter shared a closeness that was a marvel to watch. Susan and Ben put their heart and soul into raising Katie, even after divorcing in 1996. Ben remains an appreciated member of the blended family.
Susan married Richard Gardner in 2000. It was the love of both of their lives, and a very happy 16 years ensued. Susan was purposeful and graceful in bringing Katie and Dick's three sons, Charlie, Andrew and Brett, together to form a close blended family. The family shared camping trips, rafting, sporting events and holiday traditions together. Susan and Dick enjoyed traveling together to places including Italy, Turkey and China, and their annual anniversary trips to Stanley were favorite adventures of Susan's.
Teaching was Susan's true mission in life, and her career spanned roles in Salmon, Leadore, Emmett and at the Children's School and Village Charter schools in Boise. Susan's belief and delight in each child shone through in her buoyant spirit and expressive face. She crafted lessons around children's interests, creatively covering topics like insects, the Dust Bowl, rocks, birds, incubating eggs and the Alaskan Iditarod. Susan taught with an enthusiasm and intelligence that inspired children and parents alike. To the end, Susan remained humble about her teaching talents, but there are hundreds of former first and second graders who will forever remember Mrs. Gardner and the way she taught them to be curious about the world.
A major arc in Susan's life was her recovery from alcoholism. She was active in a twelve step program for nearly 22 years. Susan helped many recovering alcoholics through her honest and often humorous sharing of her emotional and spiritual life, and she worked individually with many women. Susan was accepting of others, and she demonstrated through example how to be true to oneself and become a better person. She had a deep and abiding faith in her Higher Power and persistently worked to maintain that relationship.
Susan Gardner was truly a brilliant and beautiful person. Her joyous laughter and beaming smile lit up any room. She had a way of making every person feel special and appreciated. Susan's love of life was contagious.
On June 11, Susan suffered from a ruptured brain aneurysm while in the Columbia Gorge. Despite phenomenal care from doctors and nurses at the Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Susan passed away on July 17. She left peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends.
Susan is survived by her husband Dick, her daughter Katie, stepsons Charlie, Andrew, and Brett, brother Brad, sister Kathy, four nieces and three nephews. A host of friends in Boise and beyond have been deeply affected by her passing, but will carry her forever in their hearts.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 11 AM at the shelter at Municipal Park in Boise, with a luncheon immediately following. Donations may be made to the Susan Gardner Scholarship Fund at The Children's School of Boise. Physical memorials will be constructed at both The Children's School and the Village Charter School.
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 31, 2016
Susan Austed Gardner
March 25, 1959 ~ July 17, 2016
Susan Austed was born March 25, 1959 to Bud and Peggy Austed of Wayzata, Minnesota. She enjoyed a happy Midwestern upbringing with her sister, Kathy and brother, Brad. After graduating from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1981, Susan adventurously struck out for Salmon, Idaho to start her elementary teaching career.
Susan fell in love with Idaho's natural beauty and people, and spent several years teaching in Salmon and Leadore. In 1986, Susan moved to Boise and soon married Ben McConnell. In 1991, Susan gave birth to Kathryn Ann McConnell and throughout the years mother and daughter shared a closeness that was a marvel to watch. Susan and Ben put their heart and soul into raising Katie, even after divorcing in 1996. Ben remains an appreciated member of the blended family.
Susan married Richard Gardner in 2000. It was the love of both of their lives, and a very happy 16 years ensued. Susan was purposeful and graceful in bringing Katie and Dick's three sons, Charlie, Andrew and Brett, together to form a close blended family. The family shared camping trips, rafting, sporting events and holiday traditions together. Susan and Dick enjoyed traveling together to places including Italy, Turkey and China, and their annual anniversary trips to Stanley were favorite adventures of Susan's.
Teaching was Susan's true mission in life, and her career spanned roles in Salmon, Leadore, Emmett and at the Children's School and Village Charter schools in Boise. Susan's belief and delight in each child shone through in her buoyant spirit and expressive face. She crafted lessons around children's interests, creatively covering topics like insects, the Dust Bowl, rocks, birds, incubating eggs and the Alaskan Iditarod. Susan taught with an enthusiasm and intelligence that inspired children and parents alike. To the end, Susan remained humble about her teaching talents, but there are hundreds of former first and second graders who will forever remember Mrs. Gardner and the way she taught them to be curious about the world.
A major arc in Susan's life was her recovery from alcoholism. She was active in a twelve step program for nearly 22 years. Susan helped many recovering alcoholics through her honest and often humorous sharing of her emotional and spiritual life, and she worked individually with many women. Susan was accepting of others, and she demonstrated through example how to be true to oneself and become a better person. She had a deep and abiding faith in her Higher Power and persistently worked to maintain that relationship.
Susan Gardner was truly a brilliant and beautiful person. Her joyous laughter and beaming smile lit up any room. She had a way of making every person feel special and appreciated. Susan's love of life was contagious.
On June 11, Susan suffered from a ruptured brain aneurysm while in the Columbia Gorge. Despite phenomenal care from doctors and nurses at the Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Susan passed away on July 17. She left peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends.
Susan is survived by her husband Dick, her daughter Katie, stepsons Charlie, Andrew, and Brett, brother Brad, sister Kathy, four nieces and three nephews. A host of friends in Boise and beyond have been deeply affected by her passing, but will carry her forever in their hearts.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 11 AM at the shelter at Municipal Park in Boise, with a luncheon immediately following. Donations may be made to the Susan Gardner Scholarship Fund at The Children's School of Boise. Physical memorials will be constructed at both The Children's School and the Village Charter School.
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 31, 2016
March 25, 1959 ~ July 17, 2016
Susan Austed was born March 25, 1959 to Bud and Peggy Austed of Wayzata, Minnesota. She enjoyed a happy Midwestern upbringing with her sister, Kathy and brother, Brad. After graduating from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1981, Susan adventurously struck out for Salmon, Idaho to start her elementary teaching career.
Susan fell in love with Idaho's natural beauty and people, and spent several years teaching in Salmon and Leadore. In 1986, Susan moved to Boise and soon married Ben McConnell. In 1991, Susan gave birth to Kathryn Ann McConnell and throughout the years mother and daughter shared a closeness that was a marvel to watch. Susan and Ben put their heart and soul into raising Katie, even after divorcing in 1996. Ben remains an appreciated member of the blended family.
Susan married Richard Gardner in 2000. It was the love of both of their lives, and a very happy 16 years ensued. Susan was purposeful and graceful in bringing Katie and Dick's three sons, Charlie, Andrew and Brett, together to form a close blended family. The family shared camping trips, rafting, sporting events and holiday traditions together. Susan and Dick enjoyed traveling together to places including Italy, Turkey and China, and their annual anniversary trips to Stanley were favorite adventures of Susan's.
Teaching was Susan's true mission in life, and her career spanned roles in Salmon, Leadore, Emmett and at the Children's School and Village Charter schools in Boise. Susan's belief and delight in each child shone through in her buoyant spirit and expressive face. She crafted lessons around children's interests, creatively covering topics like insects, the Dust Bowl, rocks, birds, incubating eggs and the Alaskan Iditarod. Susan taught with an enthusiasm and intelligence that inspired children and parents alike. To the end, Susan remained humble about her teaching talents, but there are hundreds of former first and second graders who will forever remember Mrs. Gardner and the way she taught them to be curious about the world.
A major arc in Susan's life was her recovery from alcoholism. She was active in a twelve step program for nearly 22 years. Susan helped many recovering alcoholics through her honest and often humorous sharing of her emotional and spiritual life, and she worked individually with many women. Susan was accepting of others, and she demonstrated through example how to be true to oneself and become a better person. She had a deep and abiding faith in her Higher Power and persistently worked to maintain that relationship.
Susan Gardner was truly a brilliant and beautiful person. Her joyous laughter and beaming smile lit up any room. She had a way of making every person feel special and appreciated. Susan's love of life was contagious.
On June 11, Susan suffered from a ruptured brain aneurysm while in the Columbia Gorge. Despite phenomenal care from doctors and nurses at the Legacy Emmanuel Hospital in Portland, Susan passed away on July 17. She left peacefully, surrounded by family and close friends.
Susan is survived by her husband Dick, her daughter Katie, stepsons Charlie, Andrew, and Brett, brother Brad, sister Kathy, four nieces and three nephews. A host of friends in Boise and beyond have been deeply affected by her passing, but will carry her forever in their hearts.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 11 AM at the shelter at Municipal Park in Boise, with a luncheon immediately following. Donations may be made to the Susan Gardner Scholarship Fund at The Children's School of Boise. Physical memorials will be constructed at both The Children's School and the Village Charter School.
Published in Idaho Statesman on July 31, 2016
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
