Susan F. Erbe

Susan F. Erbe, age 72, loving mother, grandma, and friend, passed away July 31, 2015. Susan was an amazing woman full of accomplishments throughout her life. She lived a full life doing what she loved – painting, gardening, playing tennis, traveling, and taking care of her children and grandchildren. She attended the University of New Mexico and was a proud Pi Beta Phi. Susan was incredibly adventurous. When she was first married, she had a radio show in Taipei, Taiwan in which she taught Taiwanese servicemen how to speak English. She then continued her teaching at Thunderbird Nursery School in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Following her return to Albuquerque, New Mexico, she built an extremely successful business in educational sales. Janine, her daughter, was fortunate enough to work for her. They had many moments of hilarity and joy. Susan’s travels took her all over the world. A Russian freighter delivered her to Antarctica to spend time with penguins. She hiked mountains in Africa to see gorillas, visited an elephant sanctuary in Kenya to care for the babies, sailed to the Galapagos and made friends with the tortoises, and fed pandas in China. She was passionate about all animals, but most of all, hummingbirds. Her backyard garden is their sanctuary and where she loved spending time. Susan was passionate about life and enjoyed every moment. She created life- long friendships as a member of the Pastel Society, as a docent at the BioPark, and spending hours swimming laps and playing tennis at Tanoan. Everyone who knew her loved her, but most of all, her family. She loved her children and grandchildren with every part of who she was. For that we all will be eternally grateful. She is survived by her two daughters, Janine Erbe-Goff (Robert) and Marguerite Erbe Greve (Thomas). Grandma Susie is survived by her grandchildren, Jake, Maggie, Madison, Caitie, William, and Maddy. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Julie Fietsch and wonderful nieces and nephews who adored her and loved her. She was preceded in death by her sister, Julie Jensen, and her brother, Frank Fietsch. Susan’s family would like to say a special thank you to all of the nurses and doctors at Presbyterian Hospital and Anna Kaseman Hospice for their care and love. Her doctor, Dr. Bernard Agbemadzo and his staff gave her exceptional care and support throughout her illness. A memorial service will be held Friday, August 14, 2015 at 4 pm at Tanoan Country Club. A reception will follow. Susan loved all the colors of blue; please honor her by wearing blue during her celebration of life. Please no flowers. memorial contributions may be made to the Albuquerque BioPark in her name. FRENCH – Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400

Susan F. Erbe

October 8, 1942 - July 31, 2015