Susan Stowe Shelden

Susan Stowe Shelden, 66, of Bloomington passed away on July 10, 2019, at her home after a long illness. She was born on February 23, 1953, in Memphis, TN, to Douglas R. Stowe and Dorothy Bye Stowe. Her parents and a sister, Ann Fitzner, preceded her in death. Sue touched many lives as event coordinator at Deer Park Manor in Bloomington, where she oversaw hundreds of weddings and other events between 2006 and 2015. In previous years she managed the Friends of Art Bookshop at I.U., and coordinated events for the Bloomington Early Music Festival. She also had a long retail career in the College Mall area, managing two popular stores—The Viewpoint and Different Drummer. She was active in the community in many capacities, serving as a volunteer tutor at Bloomington South High School, a Girl Scout Leader, and an active member of the Monroe County History Center, where her expertise in fine art was especially valued. A member of First Presbyterian Church, she was involved extensively in mission work, church renovations, and youth fellowship. Sue loved to paint, cook, garden, and travel. Her many friends treasured her good humor, loyalty, and compassion. Her family adored her. In 1973 she married Michael Shelden in Omaha, NE, and they remained devoted to each other until the hour of her passing. She is survived by her husband; her older daughter Sarah Shelden Coplen and husband Collins Coplen of Santa Monica, CA; her younger daughter Vanessa Shelden of Los Angeles, CA; grandsons Finn and Oliver Coplen; her brother Doug Stowe and his wife Jean Elderwind of Eureka Springs, AR; her sister Mary Woodard and husband Jim Woodard of Lincoln, NE; and five nieces and nephews. A remembrance service will be held at 10am on August 10 at First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington.