Susan M. George PhD

Peoria, IL - Susan M. George, Ph.D., 55, of Peoria, Illinois passed away at 5:15 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2011 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria following a long illness and an extraordinarily brave battle.

Susan was born Dec. 9, 1955 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio to Carl T. and Margaret R. (Hamilton) George, Sr. She was preceded in death by her father.

Susan is survived by her mother; by her daughter Veronica; by her brothers Larry (Suk), Tom (Lisa), Mike (Maria), Carl, and Edward; by her sisters Karen, Anne, Kathy (David); and by 19 nieces and nephews.

Susan graduated from the Academy of Our Lady High School in Peoria in 1974. She received her Bachelor of Science in Human Anatomy and Physiology from the University of Illinois in 1980. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University in 1993, and an M.A. as a Child & Family Fellow at the Irving B. Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago in 2000.

Susan was a licensed clinical psychologist. She was published extensively and was a frequent presenter at conferences on issues focused on the needs of traumatized children. Early in Susan’s career, she worked with UNICEF in both Liberia and RWANDA, consulting on the care and treatment of children in extremely traumatizing circumstances. Susan became a nationally known expert on these issues, and continued her work with both traumatized children and adults until her death. Most recently, from November of 2006 until her death, Susan held the position of Vice President of Clinical Services for the Human Services Center, Fayette Companies. Susan’s deep compassion and concern for those suffering in the world, especially children, was a constant throughout her distinguished career.

Susan fulfilled a lifelong dream when she adopted a child of her own, her beloved Veronica.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Peoria with Fr. David Richardson officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities.