Susan Beins Fillmore

Susan passed away peacefully with loved ones close by in the comfort of her home on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.  Susan was born in Soda Springs, Idaho on May 24, 1947, the daughter of Stuart Addison Beins and Marjorie Panting Beins.  She loved fishing, outings, and vacations with her family, excelled in her school activities, and maintained childhood friendships throughout her life.  Susan met Peter Fillmore at the University of Utah, where she was affiliated with Delta Gamma Sorority.  Peter and Susie were married in 1970 – a loving and fun marriage lasting 54 years.

Mom had one sibling, Duane Beins, who died in 2022. She leaves behind her heartbroken children Jane (Charles), Anne (Neil), Abbie (Jon), seven grandchildren, and sister and brothers -in-laws Mary Anne Fillmore, Diane Beins, Jeffery (Judy) Fillmore, Robert (Julie) Fillmore, and many nephews and nieces.

After graduating the University of Utah, Susan taught middle school English. When she became a mother, she stayed at home and was very involved in their schooling and activities.  Sue instilled a love of learning, confidence, kindness, and personal responsibility in her daughters.  The family moved to Denver in 1987, where Susan remained involved with the kids’ education and activities.

As the kids became teenagers, Susan returned to school to obtain a degree of Registered Professional Court Reporter.  In 2001, Peter and Sue moved East and lived in Pennsylvania and Washington, DC, where Sue continued her career as a court reporter and enjoyed experiencing the historical and cultural sights of the East Coast with Peter and friends.

In 2012, Susan and Peter retired to Salt Lake City and happily reconnected with friends and family. The monthly dinners with the Fillmore siblings were a source of great enjoyment.  Peter and Sue also traveled frequently to spend time with family and enjoyed many new adventures – including trekking in Nepal to an 8-day raft trip through the Grand Canyon.

Although Susan lived the last several years with declining cognitive ability associated with Alzheimer’s disease, she was a trooper and loved to be present and engaged with everyone.  Above all, Susan never lost her emotional connection with family and friends: always a smile, a firm grip of your hand, a kiss on the cheek, or a gentle head bump to acknowledge your presence and love for you.

The family wishes to acknowledge Jennifer Smith as Mom’s care partner and mentor to our family for the last five years.  Jennifer’s expertise and love fostered an environment in our home that kept Susan engaged in daily living, and emphasized comfort, safety and dignity.  In addition, the family wishes to thank the hospice provider Community Nursing Services (CNS) – especially Nurse Christy and Chaplain Matt.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a donation to your favorite charity or take a good friend out to lunch.  The family will hold a private graveside service.

A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, October 3 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.