Susan Griggs, age 90, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 11th, 2024 just two days shy of her 91st birthday. Susan’s greatest desire was to live out her days at home with her family. She has been a resident of Grand Junction for 48 years. Born in Savanna, IL on September 13, 1933 to Fredrica Hastings (Brick) and Edmond Brick, Susan spent her childhood in Green Bay, WI where she graduated from West HS in1951, then attended Evanston (IL) School of Nursing. After graduation in 1954, she worked as an OR nurse at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. Susan married her high school sweetheart, Jack Griggs, after he graduated from West Point. She was always willing when Jack's military tours lead the family to live in seven states over the next 20 years. Susan and Jack raised seven children. She was the heart and soul of the family; always a giver, never tiring in her efforts to care for all. She exemplified fairness, love, kindness and generosity.
Following Jack's retirement from the Army in 1976, they settled in Grand Junction. With all the children in school, Susan returned to nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, where she worked as an orthopedic nurse for 19 years. She was devoted to providing excellent bedside patient care.
Susan volunteered at the Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen for 16 years and helped organize and prepare funeral dinners at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years. She loved to knit, sew and travel in the RV, collecting antique banks and filling them with coins for her loved ones. She was a devout Catholic living her faith through service to others. There are not many Susan Griggs’ in the world, and she will be missed greatly.
Susan is survived by her husband, Jack, and her seven children: Mike (Kim), Mimi (Steve) Renner, John (Barb), Kelly (Rich) Idler, Pat (Maura), Tim (Kelly) and Ann (Mike) Bricker and her brother, Tom Brick (Green Bay, WI). She has 19 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 2 great great-grands and many nieces and nephews. Susan was preceded in death by her mother, Fredrica; sister, Mary Skogg (Green Bay, WI) and brother, Ed Brick (Madison, WI).
The family would like to thank Dr. John Flanagan, Hope West Hospice and Nightingales Home Health for the wonderful care provided. Susan’s life will be celebrated with a Rosary on October 25th, 5:00 pm and Funeral Mass on October 26th, 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Grand Junction Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen.
May she rest well in peace!
