In loving memory of
Sue Kilpatrick
Sue & Her Legacy
Susan Lynn Kilpatrick died June 24, 2022 with her family at her bedside after a brief but valiant struggle against illness.
Sue was born to Robert and Alice Collier in Glendale on Dec 30, 1955. The family moved to La Crescenta where Sue had wonderful childhood growing up with her three sisters. At age thirteen though, Sue unexpectedly became paraplegic requiring her to use a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Although many would find their lives totally upended, she made a conscious choice that this would not stand in her way.
One of the first things she did was to learn to drive a specially equipped car and became “taxi” to her high school and college friends to the beach and around town.
After graduating from Crescenta Valley High School in 1974, she attended Glendale Community College. Sue graduated in 1977 where she received her diploma and also met the love of her life and soon to be husband, Doug. Sue attended California State University, Northridge, graduating with a degree in History; while at CSUN Sue happened to take a Meteorology course, which launched a life-time passion for weather.
As a teacher for the Glendale School District, Sue mentored many disabled students. And just for fun, with arms as strong as a walking person’s legs, she occasionally arm-wrestled the high school kids in her class to prove she could still beat them.
Sue always felt that starting a family was the crowning achievement of her life. She and Doug went on to have two wonderful boys, Chris and Greg. Sue was active as a room mother, PTA officer (where she earned a California Honorary Service Award), Den Leader, and Cub Master in her son Greg’s troop. Sue was an active and founding supporter of son Chris’ Clark Magnet High School robotics team, and traveled with the team to competitions near and far.
When Chris and Greg graduated from high school, Sue had time to become active in the Crescenta Valley Historical Society, Prom Plus, Friends of Rockhaven, became a lead docent at the Autry Museum and began writing the Crescenta Valley Weekly newspaper weather column all of which she continued until her passing. Sue’s weekly ”Weather in the Foothills” column combined her love of weather and history with homespun anecdotes about day-to-day life in the Foothills and of her travels with husband Doug and dog, Brighton.
Doug and Sue married on a crisp October day in 1980 and for forty-four years they were an unshakable team. Doug would often say that he was the brawn while Sue was the brains. Together they were able to hike/wheel on the John Muir Trail, sail their Zodiac boat on Sierra lakes, visit ghost towns and explore countless beaches and national parks.
Despite overwhelming physical challenges, Sue approached life with optimism, perseverance, self-sufficiency, and dignity. She was a pillar of strength to all she knew and an icon in the Community. Sue will be dearly missed by her friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, Sue has asked that donations be made to Crescenta Valley PromPlus; an organization dedicated to providing a safe and really fun after-prom experience for graduating high school seniors.
Read more about Sue’s Legacy in the CV Weekly Newspaper (click article title to open)
Weather in the Foothills – Mary O’Keefe
From the Desk of the Publisher – Robin Goldsworthy
Love and prayers to Susan Kilpatick family and friends also God bless you to Susan Kilpatick family and friends also I miss my friend Susan Kilpatick very much also I love my friend Susan Kilpatick very much also Rest in pease. Amen. Your friend Paul Torres
P. S. Paul love Susan very much.
Hi everyone,
I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the cards, messages and calls. Thank you to everyone who attended Sue’s service Saturday, either in person or by Zoom and thank you to those who sent such nice messages when they were not able to attend.
Thank you, I miss Sue. She actually inspired me to be an Autry docent when I saw her touring the Masters show. I learned from her every Tuesday and every time we met. She is gone too soon.
We miss you, Sue!
I remember first meeting Sue at a birthday party for Doug. This was when his dad and I were first dating. Little did I know then that it wouldn’t be long before she and I would not only become family but lifelong friends. There is a saying that “Those we love become part of who we are and stay with us always.” That’s how I feel about Sue. She will forever be a part of me.
I want to thank everyone for the guestbook posts, the e-mails, and cards. Sue was the light and love of my life and also my best friend. I miss Sue SO MUCH and the messages that friends and family have sent, and knowing that there were so many people who loved her helps.
I loved Sue from the moment I met her.
As a nephew, I was raised by Sue and her sincere compassion and humor. I have so many wonderful memories of feeling like I belonged in her home! Sue always took such genuine interest in our lives and was a big part of all of our activities. She would shuttle us around town and open her home for sleep overs and make us breakfast, on theme with whatever was special. Like blue biscuits because we loved the color blue. Sue would always greet me with “What’s new and exciting?” at our family gatherings. And she really did take a keen interest in what we had to share. I’ll miss Sue so dearly and will forever be grateful for the impact she had in my life.
Sue, you were an amazing person. I knew you from church as you often sat beside me on Sundays. However, I had NO IDEA about many of the wonderful accomplishments and interests you pursued. You never had a disability, you simply lived a very full life from your chair. You NEVER let that chair get in your way or inhibit what you wanted to pursue and were an inspiration to all who knew you. Knox and I miss you greatly. Rest in peace.
Sue was always friendly and fun to chat with after the worship service at Knox Presbyterian Church in Pasadena. And she didn’t mind showing off her amazing chariot to curious little kids … as well as grown-ups. What a fine time we had when she took us around the Autry Museum a few years ago! Her son Greg made it obvious that she was the kind of mother that everyone would want. Her lovely family must miss her deeply. Her friends certainly do.
I was so sad to hear about Sue’s passing. She was one of those special people you meet once in your lifetime. I met Sue at the Autry, and she was one of the best docents there. She was more knowledgeable than people who had been there years longer. She had a way of lighting up the room when she came in. I can’t imagine how her family will cope now that this light has gone out of their lives. Sending prayers for all of you.
I have known Sue for many years. We grew up living across the street from each other. It saddens me to know she is longer with us. My heart goes out to her family.
I am still in shock that Sue is no longer here. I met her through her husband Doug. He and I worked together as Park Rangers for more than 20 years. She was sometimes concerned about the work we did and I tried to assure her that Doug and I were very careful not to get in over our heads while on the job. That made her feel better.
Sue would always make sure I had a place to go for July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas since my relatives do not live here. I often enjoyed meals with the family on these holidays and also enjoyed attending the Christmas Eve services at her church.
The Christmas family game night was so much fun. I have never laughed so hard as I did while watching everyone open the white elephant gifts. One year I got a bunch of old gift cards that Sue had wrapped up. She was surprised when I shared with her that there was still some money left on them.
She gave me assistance when needed at the Gene Autry Museum where she was a docent. She gave VIP treatment to the guest that I brought for the tour.
I always enjoyed it when we had a chance to chat. Sue was a kind and thoughtful friend and I will miss her. I continue to pray for the family. 💔
I met Sue through business about 15 years ago. She was intelligent, witty, and above all, kind. She was Blessed by God with a wonderful family and friends who she loved and loved her back. Sue was and is important for the grace that she loved by, and we are diminished in her absence. Sue and I would check in by phone about monthly, and every few months in person to go over business issues; spend about 15 minutes doing that and the next hour or so just talking about our families, dogs and things happening in the world. O will miss her and pray for God’s Blessings upon her family
I met Sue when they got their dog, Abby. I’m a dog trainer and she called me for help. I loved spending time with Sue, Abby and then Brighton. Doug and Sue were dedicated and loving dog owners. I still can’t believe she is gone. I miss chatting with her. She has left her mark on so many and has left a hole in so many hearts. My husband, Marv, and I send our love to the family.
I’m so sad to hear of Sue’s passing. She was lovely! I met Sue at the Autry when I joined the Tuesday docents and found her welcoming to all, interested in life, and always ready for a good chat. I will miss her, and I know everyone at the museum will too. My condolences to her family, whom she often mentioned and obviously loved dearly.
I loved working with Sue as a Tuesday docent at the Autry. When you start as a volunteer, it seems like an overwhelming task to learn the ropes, but Sue was a master teacher. She showed us how to learn how to interpret the museum, the same way she got on with her life. It’s one thing to master a subject, but another to be able to communicate not only knowledge, but enthusiasm. She was smart, funny, interesting, and inspiring. Sue was a gift to everyone, whether they only saw her for an hour’s tour of the Autry or shared their life with her. God bless her and the family she loved and cherished.
I had never seen a wheelchair docent until Sue joined the Autry in 2010. I could not imagine how she would cope, but cope she did – beautifully and gracefully. She was an inspiration to all of us, and we are better for knowing her.
God of Heaven’s Armies, we are in shock and pain. We do not know how we will pull through this Lord. Our friend Sue has left us in the most unexpected way Lord. While we know that we are only here for a season, Lord, it is hard to come to terms with what has happened Fill our hearts with courage and help us to accept that our dear one is now with you. Let this knowledge of her joining you in paradise be our source of comfort and strength. Rest in peace my friend. God Bless
My heart hurt today after learning of Sue’s passing. I’ve always appreciated her dry wit and perspective. She clearly loved her family and community, devoted to both. She will be missed. Sending my condolences to Doug , her son’s and family – may you find comfort in the many wonderful memories of your time together.
Sue touched so many lives…. When she was born our dad held her up in the window of Behrans Memorial Hospital/Glendale for us to see from the parking lot.
My heart melted. I was eight….and I was the happiest little girl in the world.
She will remain steadfast in my heart always.
Take care…
Dona
I first met Sue in 2010 when she first became an Autry docent. We soon became friends and eventually she became one of my best friends. I always jokingly told others she was the 2nd best docent. Sue you are the best docent, 2nd to no one. Not saying good bye, but see ya later.
So sad, always enjoyed our early morning chats before touring on Thursday.
I am saddened to learn of an Autry docent passing on. Sue was an asset to the Autry. She shared how proud she was of her sons. She was quite accomplished in her pursuits and she must eternally be near and dear to the Creators heart.
Norma McMasters – Autry Docent for 4-1/2 years. Thursday group.
Words fail to describe the shock and sadness (and anger) at the passing of Sue. My wife, Marie Yeseta, and I were overwhelmed, but send our condolences to her family and friends. Sue was one of those kinds of people that are so numerous in our community that love this place. Like the poet said, her death diminishes all of us. Sue and several like minded volunteers were in the midst of creating a docent council for the newly opened Stonebarn at the Deukmejian Park. We will continue on with her as our inspiration.
Sue represented the best of the Autry. She was a great docent, a good friend to all and her presence lent a fun and positive impact upon the museum experience. She will be missed by all!
Becoming friends with Sue was a bonus I received when I became an Autry docent. She was knowledgeable, welcoming & an overall asset to the Autry community. Sue, you will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear about Sue. She will be remembered for her knowledge, experience and all of her contributions to The Autry. She made a difference and will be missed. My deepest condolences to all her family and friends.
I am so sad to hear of Sue’s passing. We just trained together at a new exhibit at the Autry. I learned so much from her. Sue and Zillah were my inspiration to join the docents at the Autry and I enjoyed my Tuesdays learning from them both. She will be sorely missed.
It is hard for me to describe Sue’s impact on me. Although I taught at CVHS during her high school years, I met her only after she became a docent for the Autry Museum. She impressed me with her ability to face life positively and willingly regardless of her disability. She volunteered for so many of the evening exhibitions besides working with kids during the day. We had a kinship that is hard to describe. She, Zillah Novak, and I became very close friends over our years together at the Autry and would meet whenever possible on other days as well. We could talk about almost anything during our time together there. She helped me emotionally when I was agonizing about my husband’s illness and our decision to move to be closer to family. She called me to tell me about Zillah’s illness. She sounded tired but when I asked how she was, she said she was very sad; that’s when we both became emotional. When I came to Zillah’s funeral yesterday I was told Sue had also passed on. So in the last two months, I have lost my two closest Autry friends. I feel such sadness today but will always remember her love for you Doug and her sons. Family meant everything to her. There now is a void I’ll never be able to fill. God bless her spirit. May she rest in peace with the Lord.
I have so many stories of Sue teaching me about parenting. I remember days when our kids were in their early elementary years and played for hours in Doug and Sue’s yard. All the kids would play hard and occasionally someone either got their feelings hurt, skinned a knee, or had to share a toy against their will. They would come crying to Sue, she would listen compassionately and then say, “Sometimes you just need a cold drink of water.” She would motion to the drinking fountain Doug had installed in the yard. The child would head over, have a big, cool drink, collect themself, and then either come back to Sue to report they did what she suggested, or just head back out to play. Sue had a magic touch that continued throughout her life. I also remember when our kids were babies and they would get really fussy, Sue would offer to help. I would gladly hand my little one over to her. She would lay the little one on his belly across her legs and pat him gently. This was a sure fire way to soothe and comfort our seemingly inconsolable baby. Sue had a beautiful way of connecting with babies and children that gave me a foundation to be a better mom myself. Thank you Sue, for this and so, so, so much more.
Tears of sorrow and grief at losing Sue. Tears of joy that I had the gift of knowing her all those years at the Autry.
I learned so much about how to work with children – especially ones with disabilities and handicaps.
She could actually write a column – oh, I envied her ability. Sue was a much better hiker than I am. National parks and all those museums are so much fun. I laughed at her “adventures” with her dog (I had a Golden too.).
I met Sue volunteering at the Autry Museum. She was so easy to speak with and had so much information to impart. She just volunteered a short time ago with me and we caught up on our lives. I am extremely sad, and so pleased to know that she was surrounded by loving family when she passed. God bless you all.
So saddened to hear of Sue’s death. I learned a lot from her, as Autry Museum docents. Her good nature, and positive attitude were an inspiration. My husband, Jim, and I send deepest condolences to loved ones.
No words can describe the sadness I feel knowing that Sue is no longer with us.
She was a big part of my childhood as we were neighbors and the best of friends.
I feel blessed to have known her for over 50 years. My thoughts go out to her entire family 💔