Susan Heiligenthal

The children of Texas with learning differences have lost a true champion of their rights. A tireless advocate, she never considered the children she represented as clients, but as one of her own. Susan was dedicated, passionate, and worked vigorously on behalf of the children who needed a voice, and she did this selflessly until her death. The positive impact upon the numerous lives she has aided over the years is evident by the continued success of her students and the many accolades she has received throughout her career.

Susan Ann Feller Heiligenthal died May 19, 2012, at home surrounded by her family. She was 59.

Susan was a sixth generation Texan, born and raised in Fredericksburg, daughter of Werner Henry Feller and Julia Mae Heimann Feller. After graduating with honors from Fredericksburg High School in 1970, Susan moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1974 with a bachelors degree in German, with honors, and secondary teaching certification in German and history. She did her student teaching at Westlake High School.

She then accepted a position instituting the German program at Elgin High School. There she taught world history and publications, and sponsored several extracurricular activities, including coaching the boys soccer team.

She was accepted and enrolled in the University of Texas Law School in fall of 1977 and graduated in May of 1980. During her senior year, she accepted a position as an attorney at the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), where she was able to combine her love of education and law. She stayed at TASB for eight years, leaving as a managing attorney in 1988 to enter private practice representing school districts statewide for Henslee, Ryan, and Groce in Austin.

After a brief intercession of working at the Texas Department of Insurance and the Bob Roberts Law Firm, she returned to her true passion, school law, and opened a private practice representing children throughout the state.

Susan had a spirit for volunteerism and was a member of many organizations, including the Junior League of Austin and the Settlement Club of Austin. She was very active in local elections, particularly those relating to education. Susan was also an avid "chap fan" of Westlake High School football.

She is survived by her husband, Paul, of 32 years; her daughters, Laura, of Austin, and Katherine of Baton Rouge; her parents, Werner and Julia Feller of Fredericksburg; her sister, Jean Feller, of Austin; her brother, Dennis Feller, and wife, Jennifer, of Colorado Springs; and nine nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Keith Feller.

Services will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road in Austin, Wednesday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. Graveside services for family and close friends will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Meusebach Creek Cemetery in Fredericksburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Austin at 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas, 78759, or Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children at 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, Texas, 75219.