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Our Memories
I'll never forget the first time I heard Susan speak at a conference. I had the opportunity of hearing on several occasions and my life is better because I knew her. the inspiration and heart Susan shared with everyone will live on .... my favorite Susanism: " those who want to work , will work..."
— Wanda Berry, Alabama
2 Feb 2012
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21 Dec 2011
Inforamiton is power and now I'm a !@#$ing dictator.
— Birdie, EmKBpWHDu
20 Dec 2011
Thanks for cotnirbtuing. It's helped me understand the issues.
— Rena, RdZYoNzTEFohYLkf
20 Dec 2011
Words cannot express the wonderful memories I have of Susan. As one of Susan's Special Assistant Coordinators for organizing Public Education Forums to educate States around the country about the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act. (1999), I got to spend some valuable time with such a wise and wonderful person who deeply cared about making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and others.
I will always cherish the time that we spent together when Susan appointed me as coordinator for the first of its kind International Disability Law and Policy Symposium. Beautiful flowers were presented on stage to Amazing Susan for the outstanding success of the Symposium and to my surprise; Susan called me up on stage and presented me with the flowers that were presented to her because she said I deserved them. Susan left me with the love for her cause and insight that will always be in my heart with great remembrance.
— Mildred Owens, Windsor Mill, Maryland
1 Dec 2011
Besides all the invaluable advice
and guidance so well remembered
here, I will never forget Susan's
raucous laugh and rapier wit.
From some she stole french fries,
from others chocolate, from me it
was the occasional cig. At least
once a year in some faraway city,
she would announce to the group we
were with that she needed some one-
to-one with me and off we would go
out of sight in some dark and
distant corner.
Then she would fix me with that
steely time-to-get-down look and
announce a topic. Once it was
"sociopaths we have known but not
necessarily loved," which left both
of us howling to near tears.
I also loved how Susan would say
sometimes she forgot, but rarely
forgave--in recent years, that
usually meant those she blamed for
laying waste to her beloved New
Orleans.
One last memory--when I met Susan
in 1977 at Jimmy Carter's "White
House Conference on the
Handicapped," she introduced
herself as a sex counselor. It may
not have made it onto recent
resumes, but I believe that was her
first profession...
— Barbara Duncan, oakland, ca
19 Nov 2011
Susan was always full of life. When we were working on the TTWIIA, she hit me up for some of the fries from my lunch. She was so cute in the way she worked those fries from me. It became a rolling gag between us--go to a meeting, bring extra fries for Susan. Strangely enough, it helped us get through the tense negotiations duringg the long, hot summer of 1999.
— Tony Young, Springfield, VA
4 Nov 2011
Dear Susan
Rehabilitation International remembers you with deep affectrion for all that you did for us. Nothing was ever too much of a problem. You also brought that enormous love of life, sense of hunour and passion for what ever it was you were involved in
Safe journey our dear friend Yu will always be remembered as a part of our family
Anne Hawker, President , Rehabilitation International
— Anne Hawker, New Zealand
2 Nov 2011
It was a shock to hear of Susan's passing. Within the short time I've known her, she was so welcoming and caring. There are few individuals that you just meet, but they make you feel you have been friends forever, that was her charm and sweetness that i will remember. It saddens me so about her passing, but the time she was with us, she gave it her all and more and reading about her she has touched some many lives around the world and she will be forever in our hearts and thoughts. I remember her sense of humor and smile!! Rest in peace my friend.
— TMR, AZ
28 Oct 2011
I just finished reading all of the postings...Susan was one AMAZING woman. It is clear that she found a piece of all of us that she could mold and mentor, and mold and mentor she did! She found our strengths and made us stronger because of them...and found our weaknesses and taught us how to use our strengths as scaffolding for those weaknesses - "Don't let that getcha' down darlin'." Did we all know what she was doing when she was doing it? Or did it feel so "right" that we did not question it? It was love.
I am not one for saucy romance novels, but "The Gift" by Danielle Steele is one that will forever remind me what a gift Susan was in my life. "The Gift" is about the meeting of two youngsters who enter each others lives during trying times. They shared unconditional love, support, sensitivity, and wisdom that helped them both grow with absolute trust. Not that Susan nor I were young, nor were the times particularly trying, but the unconditional love, support, sensitivity, and wisdom were abounding. I was lucky that way. I was on that India trip that Dan wrote about - Susan and I bonded in ways I will never forget - in ways that I never knew possible - oh I have so many funny stories. The best is probably the stroll into the store where they were smoking hashish - yet another opportunity for Susan to impart her wisdom (she knew a lot about this subject and was amazed that I knew very little! "how is it that a California girl is so naive?" said Susan). I was also fortunate enough to have Susan on my dissertation committee. She was a gentle guiding light when I needed it most. One that has changed my life in so many ways - many of which I do not yet know. I feel confident that she will continue to push me (or gently guide as she called it).
Let that light shine from above to guide us all - individually and collectively. If anyone can make their presence known from anywhere,it is Susan.
— Sue Feldman, CA
27 Oct 2011
I send a message of deepest sympathy on behalf of DPA (NZ)Inc.(the national organisation of disabled people) at the passing of Susan Daniels. Susan was known and admired by a considerable number of our members. Memories remain warm of her visit to New Zealand some time back, and others of us who have met her in the US have similarly vivid recollection s of a vivid woman. She made such an impression!
When one of our leaders here in New Zealand passes, it is common to say that a mighty totara (one of the strong nurturing trees in our forest)has fallen. We can say this here too- one of our strong nurturing trees in the global disability community has fallen.
Hare ra Susan, go well. You have left us all many warm memories
Wendi Wicks
Acting CEO
— Wendi Wicks, New Zealand
27 Oct 2011
We have lost "La Suze", a true force of nature, a lovely, funny, brilliant true friend. I met her over 30 years ago when she was working with Mainstream, Inc. training HR folks like me in what we needed to know about hiring and working with people with disabilities. She was most impressive and I am so glad that I got to become her friend.
I will always cherich the memories of thye numerous New Year's Eves we spent together, vying to see who cold stay up to watch the ball drop - always subject of much disputation as top who made it and who did not.
La Suze was a great fighter on behalf of ALL people, not just those with disabilities - she was someone you always wanted on your side.
John is a wonderful guy, a loving and supportive husband, and we grieve with him. La Suze lives on in our hearts and minds - she never left and never will.
— Ed Bomsey, Annandale, Va.
27 Oct 2011
So many memories of one of the most
memorable people I've had the privilege of
knowing and loving..
Perhaps my favorite was her mantra: "the
main thing is to keep the main thing the
main thing". And did you ever! Thanks for
selecting me for a senior position that you
somehow knew I would love--you blew my
mind that day and changed my life--I will
never forget you for your tough, hilarious,
brilliant and deeply committed approach to
"the cause"...RIP Susan
— Fritz Streckewald, Columbia Maryland
26 Oct 2011
Beautiful Susan,
You made the work worth doing. By knowing you, I am a better person, a better grandmother, a better professional. No one else makes me laugh until I cry - that intense, therapeutic laughter. You taught me a sweet lullaby that I still sing to my granddaughter. I miss you. Like the beautiful poem by Dupricia M. Williams that you sent me when my mother passed away says, "God needed one more to fill the empty space.."
— Mary Ridgely, Brooklyn, WI
24 Oct 2011
There are very few people who leave this world
better than they found it; Susan was one of the
few. She guided us and enriched our lives both
personally and professionally. And she did it
with lots of humor and class.
I have a watercolor she did from a photo I took.
I'll cherish that picture always.
— Peggy McLeod, Washington, DC
24 Oct 2011
Susan had a powerful influence on my professional life. Her belief in me helped me believe in myself. I deeply admired her and enjoyed her personally. Few individuals have the dynamic intellegence, presence, and sheer determination to influence as many people as Susan did. Even fewer people have the self-confidence to take on the world so unconventionally, yet so very successfully. She was a mentor and a role model, and I was honored to know her. My condolences to John, Lucy (I love that little snoring dog), and all of Susan's loved ones, friends and colleagues.
— Terri Uttermohlen, Baltimore MD
24 Oct 2011
Dear Dr. Her High Wonkiness,
I gave you that name because somewhere early in our working relationship, after I had already learned what a tremendously fun person my new boss was, I also discovered you were a policy wonk who LOVED talking policy. We had the best conversations - talking disability policy one moment and singing all the lyrics to Cole Porter songs or Broadway show tunes the next.
We went all over the world together and it was never easy for you, but you NEVER EVER complained. Your natural curiosity to see new places, meet new people and experience new cusines sometimes gave John and me near heart attacks, especially when you wanted to eat food from street vendors in Indonesia! How often we talked about writing our book: "Adventures in Travel with Susan" - we certainly had enough material for it! I can still see you channeling Gene Kelly rolling around a lamp post in your wheelchair in Budapest in the pouring rain and belting out "Singing in the Rain"
Ah my dear, Susan, I am so jealous of God, he will get to have the pleasure of your company now. Rest in peace, my incredible, fabulous friend.
To John, Mary, Harry and all the family, thank you for so generously sharing her with us.
— Ilene Zeitzer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
22 Oct 2011
To the great woman who once told me I couldn't graduate without reciting the AAMD definition of MR and left the hospital to meet me at the stage, Thank You. You made me an advocate and a professional. You will be greatly missed by all of us who loved you. You will be making waves in a new place now. And we will be anxious to see the changes!! Love to John and all.
— Liz Fussell, Sevierville, TN
22 Oct 2011
Of my 30-year Federal career only a
handful of people stand out as truly
inspirational and great leaders. Susan is at
the top of my list. I agree she had a sharp
wit, but I really admired her ability to teach
with such clarity and simplicity. I am
greatful that I had the chance to work with
her again these past 4 years and will miss
her terribly.
— Thomas Gloss, Finksburg, MD
22 Oct 2011
Susan, you made work fun. Time to rest, boss, but you will live on in the many folks you inspired and the minds you changed.
— Mike Greenberg, Maryland
22 Oct 2011
What a warm and smart and amazing woman.
We were working together in rural India on a
disability determination project, and Susan
needed to find a bathroom -- which became
quite a project. Over a dozen people were
running around trying to figure out what to do,
while children were following Susan like the
pied piper wanting a chance to use the control
panel on her wheelchair. Finally, some people
figured out a solution, a group of women
helped Susan. She emerged from the house to
a crowd of people who had gathered to see
what the fuss was about. SHe looked at me
and said...."It takes a village."
I cracked up. To turn that experience into
something fun..an adventure...instead of some
huge hassle or embarrassment...it just showed
what a spirit she had.
— Dan Mont, Maryland
22 Oct 2011
Dear Susan,
Such an extraordinary woman and great leader
will be sorely missed. You did so much to
improve the lives of people with disabilities and
provided such great inspiration. Having the
chance to interact with you was among the
bright spots of my work in DC. I loved your
energy! My condolences to all who love you and
may you rest in peace.
— Virginia Knowlton, Baltimore, MD
21 Oct 2011
Susan was the heart and soul of disability advocacy. Her legacy will live on, not only within all who knew and worked with her, but with all whose lives she touched in so many ways.
— Mary Satterfield, Austin TX
21 Oct 2011
My dearest Susan, you live on in all those
you touched directly and indirectly with
your joy, passion, humor and energy. I
know my Dad will have a hoot up there
with you painting, laughing and looking
over us.
— Lisa Mallory, DC
21 Oct 2011
So many fond memories, so little space to write.
Susan was my mentor, my spirit guide to all things social insurance-related and DC-based. She took me under her wing the moment we met, and never stopped nurturing or shaping me.
My favorite times with her, the times when we laughed, and laughed, and laughed, and laughed. She had a way of telling a story that to this day still has me laguhing--one of my favorites being her story of nearly hanging sweet Lucy in the elevator shaft.
My favorite shared secret with Susan? Lucy's most valued function as a service animal.
I miss you my dear friend and mentor. Please continue to watch over me from heaven. John and family, be assured of my most fervent thoughts and prayers during this difficult time., Such a peace to know that my guardian here on earth now has wings!
— Thomas Golden, Waverly NY
21 Oct 2011
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Susan M. Daniels