In the quiet embrace of Loveland, Colorado, a gentle soul named Susan Jane Schmickle graced our lives with her presence until the afternoon of Thursday, January 11, 2024. After a brief illness, Susan bid farewell to this world, leaving behind a legacy of tranquility, love, and a subtle beauty that touched everyone who knew her. As we gather to celebrate her life, we reflect on the journey of a woman who lived with quiet strength, tenderness, and an enduring love for those around her.
Susan was born in 1956 at Beale Air Force Base in Yuba City, California, the twin daughter of Joan and Richard Schmickle. Growing up in the diverse landscapes of Iowa and California, Susan’s formative years were marked by a love for nature and a deep appreciation for the world around her. She shared these early adventures with her twin sister, Nancy, creating a bond that would remain unbreakable even in the face of life’s inevitable changes. Her educational journey took her to Whittier High School in Whittier, CA, where she graduated before pursuing higher education at the University of California, Davis. It was during these academic years that Susan’s intellectual curiosity blossomed, setting the stage for a life of continuous learning and exploration.
After completing her studies, Susan embarked on a journey that spanned various states, including California, Colorado, Virginia, Florida, and Indiana, before finding a lasting home in the heart of Colorado. Her professional path led her into the realm of website development, a field where she thrived and contributed her skills until her well-deserved retirement in 2021. Susan lived her life quietly and privately, blessing the lives of those around her with a calm and gentle demeanor. Her impact was not defined by grand gestures or loud proclamations but by the quiet moments of connection, kindness, and the sincere love she shared with family and friends. Susan’s presence was a comforting balm, a respite from the noise of the world, and a reminder of the beauty found in simplicity.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Susan harbored a passion for gardening. The earth beneath her fingertips, she cultivated vibrant blooms and nurtured life from the soil. Her love for the outdoors extended to walking and hiking, where she found solace in the embrace of nature. In a delightful and unexpected turn, Susan developed her skills as a ventriloquist, sharing moments of joy with her beloved “Katie Wildflower Butterfly Holmes. Susan’s connection to the written word and the practice of mindfulness provided her with a sense of purpose and serenity. She embraced the power of mindfulness to navigate life’s challenges and find a sense of balance in the midst of the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Her deep love for family was evident in the care and devotion she extended to her father, Richard Schmickle, assisting him until his peaceful passing in October 2022. Susan’s commitment to family and her ability to provide quiet strength during times of need reflected the depth of her character. Susan is survived by her brother-in-law John Thompson of Waynesburg, PA, her niece Catherine Thompson, and nephews Luis and Roberto Thompson. While she is predeceased by her mother Joan Schmickle and her twin sister Nancy Thompson, the memory of Susan lives on in the hearts of those who were touched by her grace.
As we bid farewell to Susan Jane Schmickle, we celebrate a life that unfolded like the petals of a delicate flower – quietly, gracefully, and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of our hearts. In the serenity of her presence and the love she shared, Susan’s memory continues to bloom, a testament to the enduring beauty found in a life well-lived.
