Many of you have asked how you can support our family during this time. Truly, your love and friendship have been overwhelming and are all that we need. If you would like to give something, in lieu of flowers we'd encourage donations, which we'll direct in Mom's name. To donate via PayPal, please donate to mary.m.grove@gmail.com. Or, send checks to John Himinkool at 3411 Big Boulder Lane, Alpine, CA 91901.
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| Susan & John on the deck of their home - her favorite place. |
Susan was born on November 6, 1945 in Samut Songkhram, Thailand. She was the second of six children. She had a steadfast work ethic; from a young age she rose at dawn to cook and care for her siblings before heading off to school, and ended each night by doing the same and then studying under the light of kerosene lamps. Susan cared for her father though his own fight with cancer (he passed away when she was twelve). She always had a huge heart and so much compassion. She decided that nursing would be her calling.
After graduating from The Women’s Nursing school in Thailand, she and several fellow young and fearless nurses moved to Chicago, Illinois. It was the adventure of a lifetime. She recounted how the friend who knew a bit more English would teach the rest of them what she knew, and she would marvel in delight at the new taste of potato chips and Pepsi as she adjusted to being in America. There in Chicago she met her husband, John. They were engaged within six months -- theirs was an epic love. From Chicago to Davenport, to San Diego, to Thailand -- they raised three children and loved being partners in life in every way. They were champion bowlers, accomplished ballroom dancers, experienced multi-level marketers, and much more. Their 42nd wedding anniversary would have been on February 15, the day after Susan died.
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| Susan & John's Wedding in Chicago, 1973. |
Susan was a dedicated wife, nurturing mother, and loyal friend. After 25 years of service as an operating room nurse, Susan joined her husband John in his chiropractic practice as general manager and massage therapist. She was a gifted healer and caretaker. She is known by friends and family far and wide for incredible skills in the kitchen (world famous Thai curries and bbq chicken top a very long list), her wonderful green thumb (Susan planted dozens of fruit trees and plants, and most of her friends look forward to their annual delivery of citrus and guava), her steadfast, healing hands (how can such a petite woman massage with such incredible force?), her infectious sense of humor, and most of all, her electric smile.
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| Pajama party with the kids - Christmas 2011. |
She is survived by her loving husband, John; her three children, Annie (Greg); Mary (Steve); and Joe; her sister, Bennie; and several siblings, nieces, and nephews in Thailand. Susan approached everyone and everything in life with her whole heart. She has touched our hearts so deeply and we will carry her love and legacy with us always.
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| Christmas 2014 in Alpine. |
