Suanne R. Townsend

Suanne Townsend, 84, of Longmont, Colorado, went home to be with the Lord on January 13, 2024. She is survived by her husband, Gary Townsend, and her children: Jay (Sandra) Townsend of Longmont, CO; Victoria (John) Borg of Kailua Kona, HI; Deborah MacArthur (Dan Helburg) of Boulder, CO; 13 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren with a 3rd on the way.

Suanne was born on June 23, 1939, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Dr. Paul and Helen Reichstadt. Her younger brother, Robert Reichstadt, who preceded her in death (2022) was a dear friend to her.

She married Gary Townsend on June 10, 1960, and they were blessed with 63 years together, during which they lived in 9 states, 13 cities, started a business, traveled extensively across the U.S., and loved on their family and friends, taking great pleasure in these many relationships.

Following Gary's and her parent's footsteps, Suanne got her pilot's license and flew multiple aircraft, from her favorite Super Cub to a twin engine Navion. Hobbies she enjoyed included fishing, gardening, skiing, reading, playing tennis, golf, and her daily round of cribbage with Gary.

Suanne poured herself into the people around her, whether she was teaching a one room country school in Winneconne, Wisconsin or serving as president of the Omaha 99s, a national women's flying organization, where she introduced America's number one test pilot, Bob Hoover, to a packed house in Omaha. She volunteered with a variety of charitable and other organizations, serving as a hospital volunteer, on Jr. League, and as Pi Phi area president. She taught multitudes through church ministry, counseling, and Bible study, and she eagerly jumped in to help homeschool and mentor her grandchildren whenever the opportunity availed.

She will truly be missed and remembered always as a wonderful wife, mom, grandma, and a friend to many.

May the gap in our hearts be filled with the same hope and joy of knowing Christ Suanne abided in.

John 11:25

[25] Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet he live.