Susan Keniece Thorisson

Susan was born on July 13, 1969, in South Laguna, California, the first child of David Evans and Ida Lee Brewer Cann.

As a child growing up, Susan spent every summer in Ohio with her grandmother, aunts and uncles, many cousins and family friends. This is where some of the happiest times and memories of her young life were formed. She, along with her siblings, loved all of them dearly and all treasure these times. They all shared an especially close relationship with their Granny Brewer (Ethel L. Brewer) and their uncle and aunt, Pete and Marie Howell.

Susan attended the Quantico Dependent School System from Kindergarten through the seventh grade. She enjoyed school and the teachers who helped lay a firm foundation for her future life. She made friends easily and always extended the hand of friendship to all the foreign students who were there as their fathers attended the military schools aboard the base.

She and her family moved to Stafford County in 1982 and she attended Garrrisonville Middle School and North Stafford High School where she participated in the choral groups and shared many happy times with fellow classmates.

Upon graduation in 1987, she worked in retail at several different establishments and finally served as an assistant manager with Frank’s Nursery & Crafts, Inc. in Stafford. Susan’s great love of people and the patience she extended to patrons served as a great asset to her throughout her career in retail.

When she left the work force, she became a stay-at-home mom and enjoyed being able to participate more fully in the events of her children, Michael and Shelby. She also partnered with her husband in the business he had established, lending her support, knowledge and served as his records keeper.

She and her husband of 25 years, Thorir (Thor) Thorisson were married June 7, 1995 in Summit Presbyterian Church, Stafford, VA. They balanced each other in their unity and they were deeply and fiercely devoted to each other and in the love they shared with others. Their home was always open to all and they shared their love and understanding with many through the years,

Susan was a very loving, caring individual, who most often usually greeted you with a smile. She will be remembered for approaching everyone and everything with a positive upbeat attitude most of the time. While she walked to her own drumbeat, she was still always there

for everyone, no matter who they were or what their needs were. She loved everyone and tried to respect them for who they were. She did not always like the actions of everyone, but she always tried to understand them and encourage them to better their situations.

Susan was a long-time devoted fan of NFL Football, especially the Cincinnati Bengals and never wavered through the years for her support for them. She was also an avid fan of NASCAR, especially the car driver #18 Kyle “Rowdy” Busch. She adored pandas, an interest first acquired when she was about two years old and the first pandas were presented to the National Zoo in Washington, DC. She also loved all types of animals, especially dogs, and the family often referred to her as “Dr. Doolittle”.

In addition to her husband, Thorir Thorisson, and her parents, David E. and Ida Lee Cann, she is also survived by the following: her son, Michael Aubrey Thorisson; daughter, Shelby Mackensie Thorisson; granddaughter, Roselynn Nikole Thorisson; brother and sister-in-law, Gary E. and Tamara Cann; sister, Leslie M. Cann; niece, Catherine E. Cann; nephew, Charles E. Cann; her mother-in-law, Gudrun Thorisson and brother-in-law, Geir Gunnarsson in Reykjavik, Iceland; Catherine Elizabeth Deavers and Christopher Nunez; numerous cousins and friends’ and her dog, Trixie.

She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Gunnar Thorisson, her maternal grandmother, Ethel L. Brewer; her paternal grandparents, Archie and Louise Cann; numerous aunts and uncles, along with countless friends; and special dogs, Petey, Gizmo, Rebel and Daisy Mae.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Summit Presbyterian Church (256 Shelton Shop Road – Stafford, VA 22554) with Rev. Daniel Hrach officiating. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to the immediate family. (Masks are required and will be available.) The service may be observed online as well by selecting the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/SummitPresbyterianChurch/videos/

Susan loved the color purple and the family is encouraging all who attend her service to wear something purple to honor her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Stafford County Animal Shelter (26 Frosty Lane- Stafford, VA 22554) or to any organization of choice centered around caring and protecting animals.

The Thorisson family wishes to thank the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Unit for their assistance and for all the family members and friends who have shown their love and support to them during this time.