Sue Tornow

Carol Sue Tornow (Steinmetz) died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family on Wednesday January 3, 2018. Sue was born December 22, 1939 in Denver, CO to William and Mary (Musser) Steinmetz. Sue attended Holy Family high school graduating in 1957. She married her sweetheart, Herb Tornow (2016) on June 13, 1959 at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Lakewood.

Herb and Sue started their family in Denver and were active members of Blessed Sacrament parish. Sue was a dedicated servant to the Church and deeply involved with foster care through Catholic Charities. She cared for many newborn foster babies, welcoming them into her home as her own.

Herb and Sue moved with their seven children to Longmont in 1976. They were members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, and later St. Francis of Assisi, where Sue was again an integral part of the community. She volunteered thousands of hours working with numerous groups, including the Altar and Rosary Society and HOPE Outreach. She continued her work in foster care opening her home to at-risk youth and pregnant minors. Sue was a leader and a constant presence in the Girl Scouts, mentoring many young girls.

Over the years, Herb and Sue’s family swelled around them. Family always remained the center of Sue’s life and is the legacy that she and Herb now leave behind. Sue is survived by her children – daughters, Kari Tornow, Kelli Arnold (Don), Konni Keuter (Myk), Kathi Conser (Rick Buckley), Koleen Archibold (Chris), Kim Simonson (Tom) and son, Chris Tornow (Lorry). She is also survived by 30 grandchildren (and spouses), 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, 1 sister, 3 brothers and numerous nieces and nephews – as well as the many other families who were deeply influenced by her heart and home.

Sue was dedicated to her family and was ever-present in their lives. She was in regular attendance at kids’ sporting events, school plays, concerts, and anything else involving her family always eager to spread herself across everyone’s schedules. She was a confidant, mentor, friend and counselor to all of her family and a shining example of unconditional love.

Sue created many cherished family traditions. One prominent example is Bake Day, a massive annual event before Christmas for which the entire family, including kids of all ages, gather in her kitchen making (literally) thousands of cookies and other confections. She also hosted the grand Easter Sunday event, where she turned her entire block on Texas Lane into an all-ages egg hunt with prizes and candy for all. Another tradition she loved is the Family Camping Trip – a gathering where over 100 family and extended family members descended upon unsuspecting campgrounds, spreading their love, laughter, and campfire music to various corners of Colorado (and sometimes beyond). These traditions, as well as so many others are just one part of her awesome legacy.

A rosary will be held at Howe Mortuary on Sunday January 7th at 7PM with viewing beginning at 6:00. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church on Monday January 8th at 11AM. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont.

If you would like, donations can be made to HOPE Outreach Center.