Obituary of Susan Elizabeth (Riley) Poupore

On the cold evening of January 27, 2019 Susan Elizabeth (Riley) Poupore left this life on earth, and re-entered the great mystery from which she emerged almost eighty-four years ago. A beautiful, shining woman, she died of ovarian cancer in her home, surrounded by love. She was a lamp to all who knew her.

It is a daunting task to write an obituary for such a complex, multi-faceted, multi-talented woman, a woman of infinite variety, but we will do our best. Age did not wither her. All her rich and deep life she was intensely alive. Almost to the end she was a skier, a cook extraordinaire, a member of the Duluth Symphony chorus, a volunteer cook for the Valley Youth Center, an active member of the Unitarian community and of Women of Spirit, a grateful member of AA, a daily reader of The New York Times, intensely involved with her family and many friends, and a mentor to many.

Susan was a study in contradictions: an elegant woman who loved bargains. Although she loved what she had, and was content in her own skin, she was also fierce for change, striving for fairness for all. She was frugal yet generous to a fault. She was careful in so many ways, yet she was an intrepid driver. No weather or road conditions daunted her. Although invariably kind, she had a wicked sense of humor and occasional sharp tongue. She could be sedate and raucous. Although adaptable, she held to her strong opinions. She was equally at home catering in the wealthiest of Duluth homes and cooking at the Damiano Soup Kitchen. She was democratic in her friendships, and valued people from all walks of life. Her friends were from many generations, from many cultures, with differing sexual/gender orientations, economic and religious backgrounds.

Susan was born in Minneapolis on February 15, 1935 to Lucille Riley. She was immediately adopted by Lucille's brother Thomas and his wife, Delphine, and raised in Young America, Minnesota, moving with them to Floodwood when she was ten. Heavily involved in 4-H, she won a Minnesota State Fair grand prize at age 14 for a Bohemian Rye Bread demonstration. This was a precursor to other awards: Miss Minnesota Cherry Pie Queen in 1951, and a finalist in the 1964 Mrs. Minnesota Contest. Yes, she was competitive!

After graduation from Floodwood High School in 1953, Susan attended Duluth Business University. Her first job was as a stenographer for Oliver Mining Company. After marrying Lincoln Poupore, they lived briefly in Washington, D.C. while he completed his undergraduate degree. Then they settled in Duluth and raised six (above average, of course) children. In addition, for eighteen years she provided home day care, and sewed and cleaned for other families.

In 1977, Susan opened her own catering business which she continued until 2000. After retirement, she worked at the Lighthouse B&B in Two Harbors, managed and cooked for the Petersen Garden Center "Little Cafe" in Superior, and was a patient-sitter in the traumatic brain injury unit at Miller-Dwan Hospital.

Generous with her talents and with her time, she volunteered with Duluth's Sister City, PAVSA, "Opening Our Doors," hospice, the UU Congregation, Fairlawn Museum, and the Damiano Center soup kitchen. And, for over fifty years, she sang with the Duluth Symphony Chorus. Susan traveled with dear friends throughout the United States, Europe, Japan and Mexico. A passionate skier, she skied hut-to-hut in Norway and on the Dachstein Glacier in Austria, and completed four Birkebeiners. She loved reading, baking, preparing wholesome food, offering unsolicited advice, opera, acting and, perhaps above all, negotiating at rummage sales.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Delphine Riley, brothers Thomas and Robert, and her former husband, Lincoln Poupore. She is survived by her brother Michael Riley, and by her children: Steven (Sissy), Toni (Scott), Michael, Jonathan (James), Anne (Kerry), and Delilah (Jonathan); her grandchildren Jessica (Jeffrey), Eric (Jessica), Andrea (Brian), and Lilyana; and her great-grandchildren Orion, Trent, Emma, and Alivia. She will be sorely missed.

Susan accomplished all she wanted to do in this life, and she excelled in all she did. She died with no regrets. She provided a moral compass for her children and for all who knew her. She leaves behind a shining, luminous example of a fulfilled life. And she wished to do good even after death by donating her body to Mayo Clinic.

Susan expressed gratitude for excellent care by Dr. Milliken, Essentia oncology nurses, and Nancy and Amanda of Essentia Health Hospice.

A celebration of Susan's life (which she has planned) will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth, 835 West College Street, followed by a luncheon (which she also has planned in detail, down to the table settings and the cloth napkins).

It is fitting that Susan died within days of the poet Mary Oliver, because she too would ask what you plan to do with your "one wild and precious life."

Composed by Mara Hart at Susan's request.