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Suzanne <I>Hendrick</I> Gillespie

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Suzanne Hendrick Gillespie

Birth
Twin Falls, Twin Falls County, Idaho, USA
Death
13 Apr 2020 (aged 66)
Burial
Boise, Ada County, Idaho, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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On Monday, April 13, our beloved Suzanne Gillespie (Suzi) passed away surrounded by family in the comfort of her own home. Suzi was born on June 20, 1953, in Twin Falls, Idaho to Clarence and Beth Hedrick. As the youngest of 4 children, Suzi grew up spending her weekends at the family cabin chasing after her sister Nanette, and brothers Wally and Howard. Located in Ketchum, Idaho, the cabin held tremendous meaning for the Hedrick siblings throughout their lives. They spent endless hours skiing and enjoying the winter. Summer transitioned into long days of sun spent hiking and exploring the beautiful vistas of the Sawtooth Mountains, and her father was usually able to enlist the kids’ help in gathering firewood for the cabin. The cabin instilled a sense of pride in Suzi, as the Hedrick siblings helped transform it from a small two-room structure without utilities to a wonderful family gathering place with all the comfort and amenities. The cabin represented the deep roots, strong bonds, and the happy home life of the Hedrick crew.

As Suzi grew older, she excelled in academics, attending the University of Idaho, University of Utah, and Boise State University, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physical Therapy. Her work took her to Chicago at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Loyola University Medical Center. It was in Chicago that Suzi met her best friend and lifelong partner, Tom Gillespie. Married in 1979 near her family’s cabin, their love story was a perfect pairing of opposites. Wildly funny in her own right, Suzi often played the straight man to Tom’s devilish and charming lounge routines. With a twinkle in her eye and an occasional wink, Suzi’s quick wit and quiet confidence buoyed Tom’s gregarious nature. They were the couple that people gravitated towards – fun, playful, and caring of each other and other people. Tom’s affectionate nickname for Suzi was “Boo,” and he frequently referred to her as “Boo” in both the loud and quiet moments together. Their love for one another was apparent to all those around them, and their happiness contagious.

Tom and Suzi moved back to Boise in 1980 and started a family in 1988, welcoming their first daughter, Anne-Marie (Mimi). They welcomed their second daughter, Cara, in 1990. Suzi was the most loving, loyal, and dedicated mother. Always a thoughtful and talented writer, Suzi regularly snuck the most beautiful letters into her children’s lunchboxes, backpacks, and books to remind them of her love. That communication evolved into thoughtful letters, emails, and texts as her girls grew older. She always had the perfect words and advice for any situation, guiding her girls in the right direction. She supported Mimi and Cara in their endeavors growing up, never missing a sports event or failing to help out in a Science Olympiad. Suzi taught her daughters the importance of developing deep friendships.

The Gillespie family relocated a few times for Tom’s work at Hewlett-Packard, moving to Fort Collins, CO, then Guadalajara, Mexico and back to Boise. Each time Suzi would use her skill and expertise in physical therapy to ease other people’s pain and suffering, put good into the world, and form new relationships. Suzi’s kindness, marvelous listening skills, and a never-ending supply of good advice made her a quick and lifelong friend to many. It was easy to feel validated and loved in Suzi’s presence. Her genuine spirit and a deep interest in others made her an extraordinarily beloved confidant, no matter where she lived. Throughout the years, Suzi maintained old friendships while constantly developing new ones. She loved hosting friends and family at her home, and always taught her girls to call them “gatherings,” not “parties.” That way if people didn’t show up, there was never a disappointment!

As much as Suzi loved her daughters, her love for her granddaughters was unrivaled. Liza and Mia were the centers of her world. Suzi was present for the birth of her sweet Liza in 2015, and Cara had to often remind Suzi that they had to share Liza. Two years later, spirited little Mia was born, and it was game over for “Boo” (Suzi) and “Hutch” (Tom). Their home quickly became the most requested destination by their grandchildren. Liza and Mia ran the show while there. Mia was the queen of this universe and Liza the special princess. Much as she did for her daughters, Suzi never missed an event for her granddaughters. She attended every swim lesson, school program, gymnastics lesson, and soccer game. The second her car rolled into the parking lot you could hear a high-pitched and excited “BOOOOOO” squeal from the grinning faces of those two little girls. In 2013, Suzi and Tom recognized a lifelong dream to own property on Lake Okoboji in Northwest Iowa where Tom spent summers growing up. They purchased a small cottage that they lovingly termed the “Canary Cottage” (you can guess the color), relishing the long days of summer boating on the lake and observing quiet sunsets with their granddaughters.

Suzi was diagnosed with uterine cancer in December 2013 and retired from her treasured job as a physical therapist in 2014. Her disease eventually spread to her lymph nodes, adrenal glands, and spine. At her diagnosis, Suzi was told she had around 5 years to live. But in typical Suzi fashion, she proved everyone wrong and lived 6+ years. In our eyes, Suzi did not lose her battle to cancer – she won. She witnessed the births of both her granddaughters. She spent her remaining summers at the Canary Cottage vacationing and surrounded by loved ones. She lived life fully each day, never once complaining of the endless battle she faced.

We want to thank everyone at the Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center, including Dr. Alan Langerak and Dr. Nicholas Gorden, for providing such wonderful care for Suzi. She regarded you like family. Suzi also received excellent care in Lincoln, Nebraska from Dr. Ben Bixenmann, Dr. Mark Stavas, and Dr. Eric Avery when tumors in her spine required emergency treatment and follow-up. We want to especially recognize and thank Suzi’s brother-in-law, Dr. Kevin Gillespie, for his coordination of care for both Tom and Suzi during their seven-month stay at his home in Lincoln.

Suzi loved her work, her friends, and most of all Tom, her daughters, granddaughters, and immediate/extended family. Tom preceded Suzi in death on March 9, 2020. Suzi is also preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nanette Songer. Suzi will be missed beyond measure by her two daughters, Anne-Marie Gillespie (Ventura, CA) and Cara Van Sant (Pete/Boise, ID), granddaughters Liza and Mia Van Sant (Boise), her siblings, Howard Hedrick (Antonia/Boise, ID) and Wally Hedrick (Jerrie/Boise, ID), and brother-in-law Jim Songer.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who supported Suzi through this part of the journey: family, friends, and medical staff. Suzi made each of our lives immeasurably better and we are grateful beyond expression for knowing her. While we will miss her, each of us can honor our association with her by “paying forward” her loyalty, friendship, and love of life. Donations can be made in memory of Suzanne Gillespie to the Hedrick Family Memorial Scholarship at the College of Southern Idaho Foundation, 315 Fall Avenue, PO Box 1238, Twin Falls, Idaho 83303-1238.

As Winne the Pooh wisely said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

Godspeed and all our love, Suzi.
Celebration of Life Open House Postponed.
Will Be Determined at a Later Date.
Please Check Back on this Website for Details.
On Monday, April 13, our beloved Suzanne Gillespie (Suzi) passed away surrounded by family in the comfort of her own home. Suzi was born on June 20, 1953, in Twin Falls, Idaho to Clarence and Beth Hedrick. As the youngest of 4 children, Suzi grew up spending her weekends at the family cabin chasing after her sister Nanette, and brothers Wally and Howard. Located in Ketchum, Idaho, the cabin held tremendous meaning for the Hedrick siblings throughout their lives. They spent endless hours skiing and enjoying the winter. Summer transitioned into long days of sun spent hiking and exploring the beautiful vistas of the Sawtooth Mountains, and her father was usually able to enlist the kids’ help in gathering firewood for the cabin. The cabin instilled a sense of pride in Suzi, as the Hedrick siblings helped transform it from a small two-room structure without utilities to a wonderful family gathering place with all the comfort and amenities. The cabin represented the deep roots, strong bonds, and the happy home life of the Hedrick crew.

As Suzi grew older, she excelled in academics, attending the University of Idaho, University of Utah, and Boise State University, receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Physical Therapy. Her work took her to Chicago at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Loyola University Medical Center. It was in Chicago that Suzi met her best friend and lifelong partner, Tom Gillespie. Married in 1979 near her family’s cabin, their love story was a perfect pairing of opposites. Wildly funny in her own right, Suzi often played the straight man to Tom’s devilish and charming lounge routines. With a twinkle in her eye and an occasional wink, Suzi’s quick wit and quiet confidence buoyed Tom’s gregarious nature. They were the couple that people gravitated towards – fun, playful, and caring of each other and other people. Tom’s affectionate nickname for Suzi was “Boo,” and he frequently referred to her as “Boo” in both the loud and quiet moments together. Their love for one another was apparent to all those around them, and their happiness contagious.

Tom and Suzi moved back to Boise in 1980 and started a family in 1988, welcoming their first daughter, Anne-Marie (Mimi). They welcomed their second daughter, Cara, in 1990. Suzi was the most loving, loyal, and dedicated mother. Always a thoughtful and talented writer, Suzi regularly snuck the most beautiful letters into her children’s lunchboxes, backpacks, and books to remind them of her love. That communication evolved into thoughtful letters, emails, and texts as her girls grew older. She always had the perfect words and advice for any situation, guiding her girls in the right direction. She supported Mimi and Cara in their endeavors growing up, never missing a sports event or failing to help out in a Science Olympiad. Suzi taught her daughters the importance of developing deep friendships.

The Gillespie family relocated a few times for Tom’s work at Hewlett-Packard, moving to Fort Collins, CO, then Guadalajara, Mexico and back to Boise. Each time Suzi would use her skill and expertise in physical therapy to ease other people’s pain and suffering, put good into the world, and form new relationships. Suzi’s kindness, marvelous listening skills, and a never-ending supply of good advice made her a quick and lifelong friend to many. It was easy to feel validated and loved in Suzi’s presence. Her genuine spirit and a deep interest in others made her an extraordinarily beloved confidant, no matter where she lived. Throughout the years, Suzi maintained old friendships while constantly developing new ones. She loved hosting friends and family at her home, and always taught her girls to call them “gatherings,” not “parties.” That way if people didn’t show up, there was never a disappointment!

As much as Suzi loved her daughters, her love for her granddaughters was unrivaled. Liza and Mia were the centers of her world. Suzi was present for the birth of her sweet Liza in 2015, and Cara had to often remind Suzi that they had to share Liza. Two years later, spirited little Mia was born, and it was game over for “Boo” (Suzi) and “Hutch” (Tom). Their home quickly became the most requested destination by their grandchildren. Liza and Mia ran the show while there. Mia was the queen of this universe and Liza the special princess. Much as she did for her daughters, Suzi never missed an event for her granddaughters. She attended every swim lesson, school program, gymnastics lesson, and soccer game. The second her car rolled into the parking lot you could hear a high-pitched and excited “BOOOOOO” squeal from the grinning faces of those two little girls. In 2013, Suzi and Tom recognized a lifelong dream to own property on Lake Okoboji in Northwest Iowa where Tom spent summers growing up. They purchased a small cottage that they lovingly termed the “Canary Cottage” (you can guess the color), relishing the long days of summer boating on the lake and observing quiet sunsets with their granddaughters.

Suzi was diagnosed with uterine cancer in December 2013 and retired from her treasured job as a physical therapist in 2014. Her disease eventually spread to her lymph nodes, adrenal glands, and spine. At her diagnosis, Suzi was told she had around 5 years to live. But in typical Suzi fashion, she proved everyone wrong and lived 6+ years. In our eyes, Suzi did not lose her battle to cancer – she won. She witnessed the births of both her granddaughters. She spent her remaining summers at the Canary Cottage vacationing and surrounded by loved ones. She lived life fully each day, never once complaining of the endless battle she faced.

We want to thank everyone at the Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center, including Dr. Alan Langerak and Dr. Nicholas Gorden, for providing such wonderful care for Suzi. She regarded you like family. Suzi also received excellent care in Lincoln, Nebraska from Dr. Ben Bixenmann, Dr. Mark Stavas, and Dr. Eric Avery when tumors in her spine required emergency treatment and follow-up. We want to especially recognize and thank Suzi’s brother-in-law, Dr. Kevin Gillespie, for his coordination of care for both Tom and Suzi during their seven-month stay at his home in Lincoln.

Suzi loved her work, her friends, and most of all Tom, her daughters, granddaughters, and immediate/extended family. Tom preceded Suzi in death on March 9, 2020. Suzi is also preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nanette Songer. Suzi will be missed beyond measure by her two daughters, Anne-Marie Gillespie (Ventura, CA) and Cara Van Sant (Pete/Boise, ID), granddaughters Liza and Mia Van Sant (Boise), her siblings, Howard Hedrick (Antonia/Boise, ID) and Wally Hedrick (Jerrie/Boise, ID), and brother-in-law Jim Songer.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who supported Suzi through this part of the journey: family, friends, and medical staff. Suzi made each of our lives immeasurably better and we are grateful beyond expression for knowing her. While we will miss her, each of us can honor our association with her by “paying forward” her loyalty, friendship, and love of life. Donations can be made in memory of Suzanne Gillespie to the Hedrick Family Memorial Scholarship at the College of Southern Idaho Foundation, 315 Fall Avenue, PO Box 1238, Twin Falls, Idaho 83303-1238.

As Winne the Pooh wisely said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

Godspeed and all our love, Suzi.
Celebration of Life Open House Postponed.
Will Be Determined at a Later Date.
Please Check Back on this Website for Details.

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