Suzy Ann Satterlee

Suzy was born on April 15, 1934, in Portland, Indiana, where she grew up on a farm and learned the value of hard work at an early age. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse before graduating from Indiana University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She later earned her master's degree from Butler University. Suzy was especially proud of completing master's +45 graduate hours and coming very close to earning her doctorate.

Teaching first grade was Suzy's passion. After beginning her career in Indianapolis, she spent 30 years teaching in Bensenville, where she touched the lives of countless children. Having earned her Administrator's Certificate, she frequently served as the administrator in charge at Johnson School whenever the principal was away. Principal Gene Leggett often remarked that the school was in good hands while he was gone.

Suzy was actively involved in many organizations throughout her life. She was a dedicated member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the international professional society for women educators, served as treasurer of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA), and faithfully participated in both her church and her community. In retirement, she continued sharing her love of education by establishing a reading program called The Carillon Readers at Lakewood Falls Elementary School in Plainfield, where she and others volunteered their time helping young students develop a love of reading.

Suzy brought joy to everything she did and had an unwaveringly positive outlook on life. She often told her friends, "When the sun is shining, there will be no complaining." A lifelong learner, she enthusiastically declared, "I love to learn!" Her favorite place on earth was The Morton Arboretum in Glen Ellyn. Her optimism, curiosity, and love of life were contagious, and her impact will continue to live on through the many students, family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives she touched.

Suzy was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Pauline Hines; her siblings and their spouses, Donald (Norma) Hines, Helen (George) Babou, and Kay (Gerry) Weesner; and her beloved husband, Jerry.

She is survived by her son, Jeff Satterlee; her daughter, Amy (Gregory) D'Aquila, her granddaughters, Melinda and Amanda, her brother-in-law, Dr. Winston Satterlee, her nieces Liz and Michelle Satterlee, her nieces Vicki (Gary) Luebke, Robin Babou, Jo (Ron) Bennett, her nephew, Bradley Hines, and her dear friend Barbara.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, nurses, nursing assistants, and directors at Westbrook Senior Living in Streamwood for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they showed Suzy throughout the past six years. Their dedication brought comfort not only to Suzy but also to her family.

We also would like to thank dear Joyce from Arden Rose who made the last four years of Suzy’s life better than it ever could have been.

A celebration of Suzy's remarkable life will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Suzy's honor to benefit the caregivers at Westbrook Senior Living through their annual holiday gift fund.

Checks may be made out to: Westbrook – Holiday Fund and mailed to: Amy D’Aquila, 619 Linsey Ave., Schaumburg, IL 60194