Martha Susan Tasse--‘Sue Schell’ as she was known to most--began her great life adventure on Christmas Eve 1947, in Atlanta. Befitting the date of her birth, she turned out to be a true gift to so many people who would discover her, and her unique take on life, along the way. Susan ended her earthly adventure, also in Atlanta, on Dec. 1, 2018, but she will continue to bring joy and friendship to all who knew her.
Sue loved her family: Fred and Rocco (her husband and dog) Tasse; Parents: the late Noemie and Jim Schell; Sisters: Judy Sells and Mimi Hays; In Laws: Happy Hays, Billy Reeves, Denise Stevens, David Miller; Nieces: Heidi Reeves, Ann Miller, Ansley Stevens; Nephews: Ross Stevens, Jimmy Stevens, Sim Sells, Walker Stevens, Jackson Miller; and all her friends who are too numerous to list.
Sue was a 1965 graduate of Sandy Springs High where she was a cheerleader. At the University of Georgia, she majored in English literature (the E School she called it) and was a proud sister of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority (a group of her sisters still meet annually for the GAGA reunion) After graduating from UGA in 1969 she studied screenwriting at Georgia State University.
Sue Schell was a teacher, librarian, writer, artist (although she didn’t claim to be), performer, mentor, jewelry store owner and “best friend” to what seems like about 100 people, most notably husband Fred. Sue taught Tap-Dancing - Madame Sue Sue and the Thunderettes and formed a touring group from among her students, The Mason Dixon Line that brought joy to both the audience and the dancers with their performances around Atlanta. She continued her dancing in shows with the HaHaVishnu Orchestra, and she had just begun dancing in the Wuthering Heights festivals.
Sue’s love of travel carried her to almost all of North America and to much of Europe. Her deep love of literature and art, as well as pop culture, drove much of her travel agenda.
All her life she read everything she could put her hands on—but only in print. Her aversion to Digital Media and technology in general was legendary (who has a flip-phone)?
Passion for music played a large role in her life; from live concerts where she enjoyed visiting backstage with her former rock roadie husband (a retired CNN tech manager), to the constant playing of Kinks and Randy Newman (no really constantly) everywhere they went.
Sue found her greatest joy in keeping in touch and exchanging old and new memories with friends; retaining friendships that extended back to childhood.
Sue says it all in one of her short stories “Going Home”
They should have held Aunt Hett’s funeral
In a glass dome where the ceiling was the sky
Instead of Sandy Springs Memorial Chapel
Outdoors with her pet raccoons is where she belongs
Not here, covered with red carnations in a closed room
A private family memorial was held (special thank you Father Jim Duffy) and several celebrations are being planned for after the New Year. “Sue Schell” will be missed. And she will be remembered.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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