Susan (Thompson) Lauderback

Susan Thompson Lauderback
Nov. 26, 1942 - July 17, 2014

Susan Lauderback passed from this life on Sunday, July 17, 2014. A long term local resident, she was a loving mother, beloved grandmother, artist, college instructor and teacher, master gardener, community arts and theater supporter, sister, and cherished friend. She is survived by her sister, Sally Hawkins of Missouri and two sons, Michael and Mark Lauderback, grandchildren Hunter, Sage and Kate. In August a private family service is planned at Susan's favorite beach in Oregon.
Susan grew up in Bellevue, Wash., a suburb of Seattle, where she spent many happy summers swimming at the local lake, and playing outdoors with the neighborhood girls, including lifetime friends, Ellen and Jeanette.
Susan attended Holy Names Academy and Seattle University - earning a Masters degree in elementary education. After graduation, she accepted a teaching position at a military school in Okinawa, Japan, allowing her to travel the Far East. Her love of travel continued in her later years including summer Spanish language immersion trips to Mexico and tours throughout Europe, the U.S., and family trips to the tropics.
Susan lived in Farmington since the mid-70s. She came here with husband Larry, who was in the oil industry and son Michael, in a few years joined by Mark.
In Farmington, with two small boys, Susan became involved with early education. When the boys left home, her love of teaching carried into being an ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructor for San Juan College. She taught ESL many years, and the students loved her as much as she loved them.
Her childhood love of outdoor play also stayed with her through enjoyment of gardening and flowers, for many years as President of Trailblazers garden club. Susan was an award winning floral arranger, and also volunteered at community garden projects, including ten years at the Connelly House - maintaining the rose garden while also welcoming families with relatives receiving care at San Juan Regional Medical Center.
Through Sally, Susan developed an early passion of art taking as many as four classes a week, while painting nights and weekends at home, and visiting art shows, galleries and museums. Susan's enthusiasm for life and smiling face will be missed by family, friends and the community .
Susan's care is entrusted to Alternative Choice, 804 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington, 505-325-9611. Those who wish to express their condolences may do so at www.serenityandcompany.com http://www.serenityandcompany.com.