Susan (Hunsche) Heil

December 21, 1937 - April 24, 2013

Susan (Hunsche) Heil Obituary Susan died on April 24th surrounded by those who loved her so very much. She is survived by her beloved husband, Lt. Col. (Ret.) James R Heil of Spokane, their children Nick Heil, Kayte Heil Gentry (Jon), granddaughters Taylor and Tannis Gentry, her sister, Virginia Hunsche Randermann, and adored dog, Mattie. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 21, 1937 to Charles and Miriam (Heinz) Hunsche. Susan grew up in Mount Healthy, Ohio, and in 1963 married her kindergarten sweetheart. With the arrival of their two children, Susan became a full-time and devoted mother raising her children to have open hearts and compassion. During her life, she resided with her family in New Jersey, the Philippines, Annandale, VA, and Spokane, WA. As a three-time survivor of breast cancer, she showed the world that nothing could stop her from living a life of passion and determination. Those who knew her describe her as a quiet but glowing ray of sunshine. Susan graduated from the Duke University College of Nursing in 1959. Her career accomplishments are numerous and include Staff and Surgical Recovery Nurse in Cincinnati, OH, New York City, NY, and Browns-Mills, NJ. She believed in, and was always, a patient advocate. Her nursing career led her to an interest in clinical research, a field in which she worked for 15 years and from which she eventually retired. Susan had a lifelong interest in history and genealogy. She served as a Docent Trainer at The Smithsonian Institution/National Museum of American History, a volunteer at Eastern Washington Genealogical Society and a Program Director for the American Red Cross. She was a gardener, quilter, knitter, and dog-lover. Susan's energy and charisma touched so many; she will forever live in the hearts of others. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, July 14th at 3pm in the Fireside Lounge at Center Place (2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane, WA 99216). In her memory, we encourage donations to the Eastern Washington Genealogy Society, the Spokane Humane Society, Holy Family Hospital, National Public Radio, or the charity of your choice .