Hi everyone,
We are asking for help in preparing for Sue's celebration service.
What do we need?
1. Digital pictures with Sue in the picture (jpeg files preferred)
2. Quotes we can use in the video that answer this question: What Sue meant to you (Please keep it to 10 words or less so we can fit it in the video)
Please forward the digital pictures and your response to what Sue meant to you to:
Kelli1015@yahoo.com
Thank you,
Matt
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Happy Birthday Sue: March 19th, 2010
My favorite day of the year is March 19th. The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, the baseball teams are in spring training, the yard starts to bloom and of course, it is Sue's birthday. Hug a family member or someone you love and inspire them with three simple words. Go be mighty! This will make Sue smile. :-)
Sue's Celebration Services are set
Date: Saturday April 24th at 1:00p.m.
Southwest Bible Church
14605 Southwest Weir Road
Beaverton, OR 97007-6164
(503) 524-7000
Dress: Casual wear, but colorful. No dark depressing colors are allowed.
Any questions please contact Matt McCormick at 818-640-2436 or Joel Mason at 503-332-3402
It will be something special for the person who inspired so many of us.
Sue's Celebration Services are set
Date: Saturday April 24th at 1:00p.m.
Southwest Bible Church
14605 Southwest Weir Road
Beaverton, OR 97007-6164
(503) 524-7000
Dress: Casual wear, but colorful. No dark depressing colors are allowed.
Any questions please contact Matt McCormick at 818-640-2436 or Joel Mason at 503-332-3402
It will be something special for the person who inspired so many of us.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A New Chapter Begins
Saturday at 4:37p.m., you might have felt an earthquake that shook the entire earth. The epicenter was Heaven and it was caused by the celebration thrown welcoming Susan Lynne McCormick. The entire family was together last week as we said our good-byes and spent time telling her what an incredible impact she has had on our lives as well as so many others. Many local family & friends were able to stop by the hospice and share special times.
A special thanks to the Hopewell House for their kind hospitality and service. You made tough times less stressful. To Good Samaritan ICU & CCU. Your willingness to allow many more over the required visitors (from out of town) experienced quality time with Susan. Finally, Susan's wonderful staff of doctors. She chose to stay under the best care and believed it existed under each of you. Dr. Karamlou, your open honest feedback allowed Susan the brutal facts, but gave her peace of mind knowing exactly where things stood. She dealt with open honest feedback much better (good or bad).
Below is the obituary we just submitted to the Oregonian (publishes Wednesday), Tigard Times (publishes Thursday) and the Los Altos Town Crier (publishes Thursday). Thank you all for your kind words of support. We plan to have the celebration service for Susan on either April 16th/17th or 23rd/24th and will post on the blog within the week. Service will most likely take place at West Valley Community Church in Hillsboro. (Her home church)
Portland-Oregon
Susan Lynne McCormick, whose love of children motivated her to change careers at age 37 and become a sixth grade teacher in Tigard, OR, ended a long battle with lung, pancreatic and liver cancer on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Portland Hopewell House Hospice. She was 52 years young.
The eldest of four siblings and daughter of Mike & Carolyn McCormick, Susan was a devote Christian and very involved in her church (West Valley Community Church in Hillsboro Oregon). She held the role of treasurer for many years and played key roles in West Valley's "Crew" productions. Susan lived a life of authenticity having been transformed through her relationship with Jesus. Because of that authentic transformed life Susan made a major impact in the lives of so many that knew her. She led by example and communicated her love of Christ to anyone who found interest and listened.
After 15 years of working in the mortgage banking industry, Susan's love for children motivated her to begin a new chapter at age 37 when she completed her bachelor and master's degree in education from Portland State in 2000 and began teaching 6th grade at Fowler middle school in Tigard, Oregon. Her passion was educating children and was well known for going out of her way to help any child who had missed a meal or needed a hug.
Susan viewed teaching children as a 24 hr. responsibility and many Fowler alumni would come back and see Ms. McCormick on a regular basis. She spearheaded the spelling bee contest for Fowler middle school and even participated herself in the 50+ AARP national spelling bee contest in Cheyenne, Wyoming during the summer of 2008. Susan also spent summers as a driver's ed instructor and enjoyed the additional time with the kids.
Born in Alhambra California, Susan lived in Manhattan New York while her father pitched for the New York Giants. After moving west at the end of the 1958 season, Susan grew up in San Mateo California and moved to Mtn.View California in 1966. Susan attended Cooper and Huff Elementary schools, Graham Jr. High and graduated from Awalt High School in 1974. Susan graduated from De Anza College with an A.A. and pursued law enforcement with the Palo Alto police department, but an injury forced Susan to pursue another career which led her into the banking and mortgage industry in the 80's and early 90's before making a career change and pursuing her passion of educating children.
Susan never gave up hope when diagnosed in 2008 with lung and pancreatic cancer, a concept taught by her father, with cancer throughout her body, she was determined to fight it with every ounce of energy. It took almost 18 months from the time she was diagnosed to when she passed away for this dreaded disease to take hold. Her 53rd birthday is March 19th and she did her absolute best to make it to that day.
She leaves behind her beloved Corbett (11 yr old black lab) and a family that adored her. Father Mike, mother Carolyn, step mother Dierdre, sisters Stacy and Tara, brothers Mike Jr. and Matt, sister in-laws: Judith and Kathy, brother in-law: Michael Moeller, nephews: Michael III & Ryan, nieces Kelli, Madison, Mallory and Meghan.
Services for Susan McCormick will occur at West Valley Community Church in Hillsboro, Oregon at a determined date in April, 2010. Susan elected to be cremated at Rose City.
Thank you Susan for giving us all 52 wonderful years of happy memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
West Valley Community Church 5215 NE Elam Young Parkway Hillsboro, OR 97124 c/o Susan L McCormick
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A special thanks to the Hopewell House for their kind hospitality and service. You made tough times less stressful. To Good Samaritan ICU & CCU. Your willingness to allow many more over the required visitors (from out of town) experienced quality time with Susan. Finally, Susan's wonderful staff of doctors. She chose to stay under the best care and believed it existed under each of you. Dr. Karamlou, your open honest feedback allowed Susan the brutal facts, but gave her peace of mind knowing exactly where things stood. She dealt with open honest feedback much better (good or bad).
Below is the obituary we just submitted to the Oregonian (publishes Wednesday), Tigard Times (publishes Thursday) and the Los Altos Town Crier (publishes Thursday). Thank you all for your kind words of support. We plan to have the celebration service for Susan on either April 16th/17th or 23rd/24th and will post on the blog within the week. Service will most likely take place at West Valley Community Church in Hillsboro. (Her home church)
Portland-Oregon
Susan Lynne McCormick, whose love of children motivated her to change careers at age 37 and become a sixth grade teacher in Tigard, OR, ended a long battle with lung, pancreatic and liver cancer on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Portland Hopewell House Hospice. She was 52 years young.
The eldest of four siblings and daughter of Mike & Carolyn McCormick, Susan was a devote Christian and very involved in her church (West Valley Community Church in Hillsboro Oregon). She held the role of treasurer for many years and played key roles in West Valley's "Crew" productions. Susan lived a life of authenticity having been transformed through her relationship with Jesus. Because of that authentic transformed life Susan made a major impact in the lives of so many that knew her. She led by example and communicated her love of Christ to anyone who found interest and listened.
After 15 years of working in the mortgage banking industry, Susan's love for children motivated her to begin a new chapter at age 37 when she completed her bachelor and master's degree in education from Portland State in 2000 and began teaching 6th grade at Fowler middle school in Tigard, Oregon. Her passion was educating children and was well known for going out of her way to help any child who had missed a meal or needed a hug.
Susan viewed teaching children as a 24 hr. responsibility and many Fowler alumni would come back and see Ms. McCormick on a regular basis. She spearheaded the spelling bee contest for Fowler middle school and even participated herself in the 50+ AARP national spelling bee contest in Cheyenne, Wyoming during the summer of 2008. Susan also spent summers as a driver's ed instructor and enjoyed the additional time with the kids.
Born in Alhambra California, Susan lived in Manhattan New York while her father pitched for the New York Giants. After moving west at the end of the 1958 season, Susan grew up in San Mateo California and moved to Mtn.View California in 1966. Susan attended Cooper and Huff Elementary schools, Graham Jr. High and graduated from Awalt High School in 1974. Susan graduated from De Anza College with an A.A. and pursued law enforcement with the Palo Alto police department, but an injury forced Susan to pursue another career which led her into the banking and mortgage industry in the 80's and early 90's before making a career change and pursuing her passion of educating children.
Susan never gave up hope when diagnosed in 2008 with lung and pancreatic cancer, a concept taught by her father, with cancer throughout her body, she was determined to fight it with every ounce of energy. It took almost 18 months from the time she was diagnosed to when she passed away for this dreaded disease to take hold. Her 53rd birthday is March 19th and she did her absolute best to make it to that day.
She leaves behind her beloved Corbett (11 yr old black lab) and a family that adored her. Father Mike, mother Carolyn, step mother Dierdre, sisters Stacy and Tara, brothers Mike Jr. and Matt, sister in-laws: Judith and Kathy, brother in-law: Michael Moeller, nephews: Michael III & Ryan, nieces Kelli, Madison, Mallory and Meghan.
Services for Susan McCormick will occur at West Valley Community Church in Hillsboro, Oregon at a determined date in April, 2010. Susan elected to be cremated at Rose City.
Thank you Susan for giving us all 52 wonderful years of happy memories. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
West Valley Community Church 5215 NE Elam Young Parkway Hillsboro, OR 97124 c/o Susan L McCormick
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Update on Sue: Transferred to the Hopewell House Hospice in Portland
Anyone that knows my sister, understands that she enjoys being a stage director. She took on this role as the eldest sister and here we are 52 years later, she continues to lead from the bedside as we follow her script.
We transferred Susan to the Portland Legacy Hopewell House Hospice on Monday. It is a beautiful home (3.5 acres) built in 1926 and was donated by the family in 1984. There are 14 bedroom suites and Susan is being cared for and lying comfortably. The setting is perfect: quiet and relaxing. The nurses are incredible here and are taking good care of Sue.
Legacy Hopewell House
6171 Southwest Capitol Highway
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 244-7890
Earlier in the week, she was sleeping all day and opening her eyes for a few minutes communicating with us and then falling back asleep. Her current state (as of yesterday)was much more alert and opened the morning with "dad, can I have a hug". She has been able to swallow oatmeal and pears the past two days and you can see the effect in her energy. She is still sleeping 95%+ each day, but continues to amaze us with her resiliency to live.
Vital signs: Her heart rate was up to 114 last night which is common for rising heart rates as it works harder to stay alive. The nurses describe a person in this condition as running a marathon due to the energy it takes to stay with us. Her breathing continues to become slower and slower with long pauses between each breath. (Another common sign)
Sue continues to find ways to be funny by responding to certain questions with a satirical approach in her answers. For example; my mother has been "sponge moistening" the inside of her mouth and lips to ensure no cracking and when asked if she would like some water from the sponge, (with her eyes closed), Sue whispers "well, yeah".
The Mason & Hockensmith families (our incredible cousins) have been taking great care of us. Stopping by throughout the day, bringing baskets of treats and hosting dinners. Thank you and know this is how Sue wanted it scripted. We love you guys.
Finally, I would like to share with you another part of the script that Sue directed when we were in Good Samaritan ICU last week.
Setting: Good Samaritan ICU room #24
Lead Actor: Susan
Supporting actor: Aaron
Cast: 25+ McCormicks, Masons, Hockensnmiths and Sue's dearest friends
Note: Only 4 people allowed in the ICU, yet lead nurse stated he only saw 4 of us. :-)
Aaron is the worship leader at West Valley Community Church in Hillsborough (cousin Joel is the lead Pastor). He played his guitar and lead us in a powerful way that evening. Sue lied in bed with a slight smile (while her eyes were closed) and knew God was in total control. The room was centered on the lead actress as music filled the ICU. Room #23 asked to open their sliding glass door so they could listen in to this powerful music & praise.
There was not a dry eye in the room when it ended that evening, but I do know that everyone present left with much more than what they came with. The stage director wanted it that way. I look forward to seeing Sue this morning and it wouldn't surprise me if she had the TV on wearing her Giants jersey and asking what we have planned for the day. I look forward to seeing the next act. My sister the stage director always makes life more interesting. Love her.
Matt
We transferred Susan to the Portland Legacy Hopewell House Hospice on Monday. It is a beautiful home (3.5 acres) built in 1926 and was donated by the family in 1984. There are 14 bedroom suites and Susan is being cared for and lying comfortably. The setting is perfect: quiet and relaxing. The nurses are incredible here and are taking good care of Sue.
Legacy Hopewell House
6171 Southwest Capitol Highway
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 244-7890
Earlier in the week, she was sleeping all day and opening her eyes for a few minutes communicating with us and then falling back asleep. Her current state (as of yesterday)was much more alert and opened the morning with "dad, can I have a hug". She has been able to swallow oatmeal and pears the past two days and you can see the effect in her energy. She is still sleeping 95%+ each day, but continues to amaze us with her resiliency to live.
Vital signs: Her heart rate was up to 114 last night which is common for rising heart rates as it works harder to stay alive. The nurses describe a person in this condition as running a marathon due to the energy it takes to stay with us. Her breathing continues to become slower and slower with long pauses between each breath. (Another common sign)
Sue continues to find ways to be funny by responding to certain questions with a satirical approach in her answers. For example; my mother has been "sponge moistening" the inside of her mouth and lips to ensure no cracking and when asked if she would like some water from the sponge, (with her eyes closed), Sue whispers "well, yeah".
The Mason & Hockensmith families (our incredible cousins) have been taking great care of us. Stopping by throughout the day, bringing baskets of treats and hosting dinners. Thank you and know this is how Sue wanted it scripted. We love you guys.
Finally, I would like to share with you another part of the script that Sue directed when we were in Good Samaritan ICU last week.
Setting: Good Samaritan ICU room #24
Lead Actor: Susan
Supporting actor: Aaron
Cast: 25+ McCormicks, Masons, Hockensnmiths and Sue's dearest friends
Note: Only 4 people allowed in the ICU, yet lead nurse stated he only saw 4 of us. :-)
Aaron is the worship leader at West Valley Community Church in Hillsborough (cousin Joel is the lead Pastor). He played his guitar and lead us in a powerful way that evening. Sue lied in bed with a slight smile (while her eyes were closed) and knew God was in total control. The room was centered on the lead actress as music filled the ICU. Room #23 asked to open their sliding glass door so they could listen in to this powerful music & praise.
There was not a dry eye in the room when it ended that evening, but I do know that everyone present left with much more than what they came with. The stage director wanted it that way. I look forward to seeing Sue this morning and it wouldn't surprise me if she had the TV on wearing her Giants jersey and asking what we have planned for the day. I look forward to seeing the next act. My sister the stage director always makes life more interesting. Love her.
Matt
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