Susan M. Howell

She was born June 6, 1948 in Chicago, the daughter of Arthur and Marie (Yangas) Vielehr. She married Nicholas R (Nic) Howell July 11, 1981 at Lake Springfield. She graduated from Maine East High School in Park Ridge, attended Western Illinois University and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor's degree in psychology.

During more than 30 years with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, she rose to upper level management positions as chief of the Office of Child Care and then as Chief of Policy. Sue's efforts on behalf of children and families, especially those in need of day care, were recognized by her peers and others statewide and nationally, often succinctly and with little fanfare.

After retirement Sue was active as a two-term member of the board of Senior Service of Central Illinois. She also served on the board of the Statewide Migrant Daycare Council.

Away from work, Sue developed a passion for growing dynamic, beautiful flora, so much so that she converted the entire lawn surrounding her home into a delightful expanse of color in an otherwise pedestrian neighborhood.

Her desire to visit Greece, the homeland of her grandfather, spurred a wanderlust that took her to all seven continents. She was especially enthralled by Africa and travelled there six times. On each trip unique experiences managed to enhance the event, such as the night a large-maned lion noisily killed a zebra on the porch of the tented cabin in which Sue and Nic attempted to sleep.

However, it was her final trip—to Disneyland in California with her grandchildren and their parents—that proved to be most difficult. Sue was hospitalized for almost three weeks with a persistent chest infection compounded, no doubt, by the lurking lung cancer. Through her own personal grit and determination as well as the knowledge and skill of the physicians of the Springfield Clinic Infectious Disease Department, she was able to see the awe and wonder Disney created in the eyes of her grandchildren.

Sue is succeeded by those grandkids: Sophia and Ella Vergara and their parents, Sarah and Ernesto, of Mukilteo, WA; also Aubrey and Hank Olson and their parents Elizabeth and Aaron, of Lynnwood, WA; also Sue's sister Valerie Zink, her husband Doug and children Jessica and David of St. Louis, MO; and Sue's brother Mike and his wife Jan of Schaumburg, IL and their children Michael, Jami and Jordan. Sue's husband Nic is still kicking, too.

Family and friends are invited to Bisch & Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield, from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2015 to celebrate Sue's outstanding life. Memorial contributions may be made to Senior Service of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason, Springfield, IL 62702. Cremation services were provided by Bisch & Son Funeral Home.