Obituary for Susan Marie Stenseth
Susan Marie (Woodward) Stenseth was an amazing human being. Mom was born in Minneapolis on November 14, 1943 and passed away peacefully on January 20, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Beloved by all, she always had a laugh ready and a listening ear for anyone who needed her. In Mom’s years of being an elementary school teacher, she served all of her students with warmth and generosity. The support and inspiration that she provided for us all, especially her children--Anna & Jon--was unparalleled. We had so much fun! Mom was delight to be around. Countless dinners, late phone calls, strong coffees, long walks and amazing vacations are but a few of our precious memories.
Enriching lives and bringing cheer was Mom’s passion and wherever she went, she never forgot her students and her family. From the chairlifts in Colorado to beaches in Florida, people would ask if we knew the teacher Mrs. Stenseth after the name would come up in conversation. After teaching for over 30 years in Minneapolis Public Schools, mom had quite the following of students who also have fond memories of her. It was Mom’s hobby to collect books and stuffed animals for her classroom and squirrel away gifts for her grandchildren before they were even born. When Mom retired, she enjoyed her golden years fully. Trips with girlfriends, a second chance at love, fun cabin times and, of course, her joyful times with her children, Anna and Jon. When Mom became a grandmother, she was ecstatically happy and would sit holding her grandchildren until her arms went numb.
Mom was a true believer and often spoke of the angels she knew were around us. It is a comfort to know that she is finally with these heavenly beings. Without a doubt, she is still with us, loving us and guiding us with the same devotion she showed us in her life.
Susan is survived by her children, Anna Stenseth (spouse, John Nickels) and Jon Stenseth (spouse, Aurora Young); her sister, Constance Gillespie and grandchildren, Van and Viviana Nickels. Beloved by all, her smile lit up the room, she always had a laugh ready and a listening ear for anyone who needed her. In Mom’s years as an elementary school teacher, she was a beacon of joy with an inspiring classroom. Mrs. Stenseth was known far and wide to her students. The support and inspiration that she provided for us all, especially her children--Anna & Jon--was unparalleled. We were truly blessed to have such a mother. There will be a private Interment service at Lakewood Cemetery, and a public celebration of Susan’s life when the current health crisis has passed. Donations in Susan’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088
Enriching lives and bringing cheer was Mom’s passion and wherever she went, she never forgot her students and her family. From the chairlifts in Colorado to beaches in Florida, people would ask if we knew the teacher Mrs. Stenseth after the name would come up in conversation. After teaching for over 30 years in Minneapolis Public Schools, mom had quite the following of students who also have fond memories of her. It was Mom’s hobby to collect books and stuffed animals for her classroom and squirrel away gifts for her grandchildren before they were even born. When Mom retired, she enjoyed her golden years fully. Trips with girlfriends, a second chance at love, fun cabin times and, of course, her joyful times with her children, Anna and Jon. When Mom became a grandmother, she was ecstatically happy and would sit holding her grandchildren until her arms went numb.
Mom was a true believer and often spoke of the angels she knew were around us. It is a comfort to know that she is finally with these heavenly beings. Without a doubt, she is still with us, loving us and guiding us with the same devotion she showed us in her life.
Susan is survived by her children, Anna Stenseth (spouse, John Nickels) and Jon Stenseth (spouse, Aurora Young); her sister, Constance Gillespie and grandchildren, Van and Viviana Nickels. Beloved by all, her smile lit up the room, she always had a laugh ready and a listening ear for anyone who needed her. In Mom’s years as an elementary school teacher, she was a beacon of joy with an inspiring classroom. Mrs. Stenseth was known far and wide to her students. The support and inspiration that she provided for us all, especially her children--Anna & Jon--was unparalleled. We were truly blessed to have such a mother. There will be a private Interment service at Lakewood Cemetery, and a public celebration of Susan’s life when the current health crisis has passed. Donations in Susan’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN 612 861 6088