Mrs. Sue Suzie By Husband James Carnana Chandler Carnana

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mrs. Sue Carnana. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Sue was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was the daughter of William and Mildred Chandler. Sue was raised in Dysburg, TN and Hobart, IN. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Sue was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Sue's personality throughout her life.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Sue was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Sue was always tactful. One thing Sue will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Sue had a number of interests and was an active child. Sue took part in piano lessons and loved to dance. In her spare time she liked riding her horse and hunting and target shooting with Dad.

      For Sue, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Sue was also adept at details. Sue was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Foreman High School in 1956. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was history and business career class.

      There was one thing that all of Sue's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Sue was such a popular person throughout her life. But Sue was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Sue was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Sue was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Sue was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Sue was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Sue made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Bobby Carpenilli, Judy Tropea, JoAnn Larsen, J. Bemovits and MaryAnn Avena. Later in life, she became friends with Judy Tropea and Bobby Carpenilli.

      Sue was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Sue cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Sue worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Sue and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Sue was blessed with two children, two sons, Steve and Joseph. They were also blessed with 2 step, 3 blood and one great-grand child, Christle, Patrick, Tracy, Anthony, Joseph. Sue was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Sue was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Sue would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Sue, and she expected the same from those around her. Sue was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Sue was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Sue handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a secretary / office manager. She was employed for Austin Mechanical and Motorola. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Sue enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were gardening, canning, and sewing.

      Sue was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Sue was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Recreational sports included bowling. Sue also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were the Chicago Bulls.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Sue well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Mary's and St. James for 10-15 years. During that time, she organized the church bazaars and youth events such as basketball games, food and dances. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Sue enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included Hawaii when Steve was in the service. She also enjoyed family vacations in Disneyland, CA.

      Sue was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was a dog named Ruff, who was a best friend during childhood years. Her family was rounded out by her a cat that stayed outside and a horse that was brown and white spotted.

      Since it was easy for Sue to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Sue was ready when that day to retire finally came in early 2000. Her new life involved relocating to Waterman, IL to live near her grandchildren. In retirement, she found new pleasure in Bingo, Game Night, Festive Events, and Pot Luck gatherings at the residential apartments she lived in. Even in retirement, Sue stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Sue passed away on November 22, 2009 at DeKalb County Nursing Home in DeKalb, IL. Sue fought a brave battle against cancer for a little over 3 years. She is survived by her children Steve (Tina), Joseph (Catalina); grandchildren Christle (Dustin), Patrick, Tracy, Anthony, Joseph; great-grand child Jeremy and her Aunt Jean and Uncle Wayne. Services were held at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home. Sue was laid to rest in Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery, Garden of Eternal Hope, in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

      Sue was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Sue was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Mrs. Sue Carnana.