Obituary of Susan Spring Shumer

Susan died quietly, surrounded by family on Sunday, November 19, 2017 after a two-year battle with cancer. Susan was born February 17, 1949 in Rock Island, Illinois to James and Phyllis Spring. Susan later moved to Minnesota where she spent most of her life. In her final years she shared her time between Minnesota and San Diego, California where she loved to be at the ocean. Susan led a very productive life, earning her Master's degree from Mankato State University in 1994. The pinnacle of her career was serving as the founding Director of Community Outreach, Civic Engagement and The Center for Community-Based Learning at Metropolitan State University for more than 20 years. In 2013, the University awarded Susan Emeritus Faculty status, for which she was honored and proud. Susan’s favorite jobs were being a mother and grandmother. She worked hard to serve her family and her community through personal commitment to improving the lives of everyone she encountered. She loved to travel, enjoyed hosting parties and celebrations, and was an inspiration to all. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Susan is survived by her husband, Rob; daughters Jessica (Steve) Sidla; Aimee (Chris) Peterson; step-daughter Lara (Schecky) Shumer; four grandchildren (Taylor, Owen, Conner, and Elliott); brother Steve Spring; niece Leslie Spring; nephew Bryan (Patty) Spring, and many cousins with whom she had special relationships, especially her travel companion Kathy DePorter. Susan also leaves behind a very special four legged family member, her 19 year old cat, Maggie. Susan was preceded in death by her parents and cousins Mary Sue Detwiler and Peter (Terry) Colehour. A memorial service to Celebrate Her Life will be held at 11:00am, Tuesday, December 5 at the Cremation Society of MN (7110 France Ave, Edina, MN 55435) with visitation starting at 10:00am. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.