Susan S. Atkinson

Susan Storr Atkinson passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Susie was the daughter of the late George (Budge) Atkinson and Martha (Marnie) Vaughan Atkinson. Susie is survived by her sister Lynne Atkinson Florian (Mark) and her brother George Atkinson III (Jeanne). She was the beloved aunt of Claire, Max and Robbie Florian, Will Bernstein, and Kate and Harry Atkinson.

Susie was born on January 8, 1963 in Evanston, Illinois and raised in Winnetka, Illinois. She was an exceptionally enthusiastic alumna of New Trier High School and Ohio Wesleyan University.

Susie began her career in marketing communications, later serving as the Director of Special Events within the President's office of Northwestern University for over a decade, where she traveled the world organizing and managing alumni events. After retiring from Northwestern, she shared her infectious energy with her passengers as a Tram Tour Guide at The Chicago Botanic Garden.

Susie's longtime friends from all parts of her life were one of her greatest joys, and she made and sustained friendships everywhere she went. She relished visiting friends in warmer climates, as well as hosting at her home in Evanston or at her family's home in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. She was passionate about the Rolling Stones and the Chicago Cubs, and wasn't shy to share stories about meeting members of both.

Above all, the love of her family (and her dogs Trudy, Sally and Cricket), especially her incredible generosity of time and humor with her nieces and nephews, was her legacy. From their earliest ages, Susie made Claire, Max, Robbie, Will, Kate and Harry feel like they were the funniest and most clever kids in the world. She laughed at everything they said, and made them laugh in return. Her quick wit and iron-clad memory never failed to amaze all of us.

She is missed dearly.

A celebration of Susie’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, in the Sanctuary of the Winnetka Congregational Church, 725 Pine St, Winnetka, IL 60093.

Memorials in Susie's name may be made to the Chicago Botanic Garden, www.chicagobotanic.org.