Susan Fitts Martin
May 25, 1953 - August 1, 2014
Susan Fitts Martin
Carpe Diem (It Means Seize the Day)
It is with deep sadness we grieve the passing of our Sue. With grace, tenacity and an unyielding optimism, she fought to remain with the people she loved and the life she so enjoyed. Without complaint, she battled leiomyosarcoma with all her might for over eight years. Complications from kidney failure eventually finalized her mortal life. She slipped from the earthly embrace of family and friends peacefully and quietly on August 1, 2014 at the age of 61.
Susan Fitts Martin was born on May 25, 1953 in Barre, Vermont. She is the daughter of Homer and Elsie Fitts. She is one of three children. Joe's Pond in Northeastern Vermont was her first love and she found time to return to her beloved home every year. She was a graduate of the University of Vermont with an RN degree in Nursing. She worked as a nurse in Vermont and ultimately moved to Utah to follow an unselfish dream. She found endearing, longstanding love, support and happiness with her husband Eric Martin. They are the proud and loving parents of two children Kallie and Kipp. They received her utmost love and commitment; they were lights in her life, even in her darkest moments.
Sue was not an ordinary person. She was exceptional; her upbeat personality, wisdom and strength of character made her a pleasure to be around. She possessed a powerful combination of competence and compassion. She enjoyed the sunshine, gardening, traveling, hiking, skiing, woodworking, reading and all of life's little joys. Her day-to-day life was a gift. She was everybody's friend and truly never met a stranger. Our good friend Peter Novak once commented that Sue could turn lemons into lemonade; how apropos. She worked at St. Mark's Hospital for over 30 years and received the 2013 Humanitarian of the Year Award. Each of us have walked away better for having known her.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many people who have loved and supported us through this long journey. Your acts of kindness were remarkable and appreciated. There are too many of you to name, but we are sure you know who you are. In particular, a genuine thanks to the physicians and medical personnel who extended Sue's time with us.
A very, very special thank you to our children Kallie and Kipp and dear friends Anita and John Morelli and Lynette Ellsworth for their love, compassion, kindness and being pillars of strength during this very difficult time.
Sue loved life and she loved people. It is her legacy. She inspired us, she reminded us everyday that life is sacred and we should be thankful. And that smile…she had the world's greatest smile.
Sue is survived by her husband Eric; her children Kallie and Kipp of Salt Lake City, UT; father Homer (Margaret); brother Doug; sister Ellen (Cliff) Cooper; nieces and nephews Karen and Michael (and their mother Jeannie), and David and Jeffrey.
She is predeceased by her mother Elsie.
At Sue's request, there will not be a service, but we would like you all to join us for a Celebration of Sue's life on Monday, August 11th 2014 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Heritage Gardens, 2050 East Creek Road, Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers, hug your loved ones and if you like, make a donation to your favorite charity.
In Loving Memory
Dear Eric, I was so very, very sorry to hear of Sue's passing. Much love to you and your family. You are in my heart. Kathy
Kathy Smith
Salt Lake City, UT
Eric Very sorry to hear of Sue's passing.
steve knaras
south jordan, ut
Eric, I went to high school with Sue and grew up in Vermont with her. She was indeed a wonderful girl, and I was saddened to hear of her passing.
Cynthia (BOYCE) Crumb
Naugatuck, CT
Eric, Kallie, and Kip- I am so sorry for the great loss of your wife and mother. Your mom was such a fighter and loved all of you so much. In time the sadness will be replaced by all the happy memories that you have of her. Her smile will be a lasting memory for all of us. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love to all of you.
Chris Chytraus
Salt Lake City, Ut
We are so sorry to learn of Sue's passing. Such a special lady. We saw her last year at a Joe's Pond Rec. Center cocktail party having a great time! Seeing her smiling and dancing every dance with her family and friends was such a gift to all of us there, and a reminder to truly "Seize the Day!" Prayers and hugs to all of you during this sad time.
Robin and Nick Bergeron
Barre, VT
Sue's smile, laugh and sense of humor will be greatly missed. She was a great lady and wonderful nurse.
Mary Hostetler
Taylorsville, ut
Eric we are so sorry for your loss of Susan. We were so glad to see her last winter while she was in Florida. She was an exceptional person. She spoke so highly of you to us and even though we have never met we know you were truly a wonderful husband.
Gerry & Barb Lajeunesse
Georgia, VT
Eric, Connie and I were reading obituaries and saw Sue's obituary. We were sad for you and your children and all who loved her. I enjoyed working with her at St Marks. Words can't express our sadness for your family on the loss of this special soul. She was still young and it doesn't seem fair. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Ron and Connie Owsley
Ron owsley
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear Eric, We are so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. I feel fortunate to have worked with her and enjoy her strong happy spirit. You and your family are in our prayers. Love, Janice and Brian Anderl
Janice and Brian Anderl
Salt Lake City, UT
I'm so very sorry to hear about Sue. She was indeed a very special lady. She was a caring ,loving friend to everybody. You, Kallie & Kip are in my thoughts & prayers.
Micheline Combs
SLC, Ut
Dear Eric, I am so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this very difficult time. Mark & Sue Davies
Sue McKenney-Davies
Pleasant Grove, Ut
Dear Eric, I am so very sad about Sue. The times I have seen you lately and the last time I saw Sue, I knew she would leave us soon, but it is still a so hard when it happens. I never saw Sue disheartened or lose hope. She was an inspiration to me and I still remember her telling me "but Vic, what else are you going to do?" when we talked about feeling discouraged with health events in our lives. That was her outlook and it was always with a smile. She had the uniquiness of making everyone feel like a friend and her happy go lucky personality spilled over onto who ever she was talking to. The obituary was beautiful and was so true in describing her. I am blessed to have known her. My prayers and blessings go to you and your children as you face the days ahead. I send my love to you all.
Viki Sullenberger
West Jordan, Ut
Dear Eric and Family, We are saddened to hear of Sue's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always cherish the memories of growing up with Susan, Doug and Ellen. She will be missed. Joe and Bonnie Furloni
Joe and Bonnie Furloni
Alexandria, VA
I am so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. She was always and will remain a vision of light and goodness.
Marcina Robertson
Salt Lake City, UT
Eric, Kallie & Kipp ? Our condolences to you at this difficult time. Sue was an extraordinary individual ? strong, spirited, loving, caring ? and so much more. A model parent during Kipp's basketball days ? enthusiastic and supportive, yet always with a healthy appreciation that it was about helping the boys become men, not just winning. Words never suffice at times like these, but Dr. Seuss offers some comfort ? "Don't cry because it's over ? smile because it happened." Remember Sue ? your wife, your companion, your mom, your friend ? and you're certain to find things to smile about.
Craig & Diane Coburn
Holladay, UT
Dear Eric, I am sorry for your pain. It is often difficult for the spouse of a cancer victim as cancer affects the family as well as the patient. We are sending you much love and support during this difficult time. Much love cousin. Dave and Carolyn
Carolyn savoy
Halifax, NS
Dear Eric and family... We always looked forward to seeing you folks in the summertime, and could see the enthusiasm and love that you had for life (and wildlife)... Sue's visits to the gallery were a joy, and her encouragement to us as artists was amazing especially knowing her struggles... she was truly a gift to us all..with such a memorable smile!! .Bless you all as you embrace her memory... She will remain in the hearts of all who knew her... be comforted by God's love... Ray and Evelyn Richer
Ray and Evelyn Richer
Cabot, VT
Dear Eric and Family I remember one day running into sue in the hospital. in fact, she almost ran into me, she was so vibrant and energetic. we chatted a bit and she said to me "you know Annie, I'm one of the lucky ones" I thought to my self, what an amazing soul. that was Sue. a true inspiration. I'm saddened by her loss. with love Annie
Annmarie Reed
slc, ut
Our sympathy and love are extended to the entire family. To Eric, Kallie, Kip, and to Homer and Margaret: We want you all to know that our prayers are with you at this very difficult time. May Susan's life continue to be an inspiration to you each day (as expressed in the thoughtful obituary). Sincerely, Tom, Maryla, Libor and Stefan Zellars
Thomas,Maryla Zellars & sons
Bradenton, Fl
Eric and Family, It's hard to believe Sue has gone yet, there is an aura of her that will live with all of us. What a great mom, companion and friend to remember and emulate. We share your loss.
Dick and Marilyn Wallin
Sandy, Ut
I am so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. I had the opportunity to work with Sue at St Mark's as a new nursing graduate. She was so gracious, kind and understanding. I will always remember her kind smile and gentle laugh. My condolences to Eric, Kaliie and Kipp. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
David Winmill
South Ogden, Ut
My heart was saddened when I heard of Sue's Passing. I have known Sue over many years-since 1980's when I have worked with Home health or now Rehab and would call on Sue as a casemanager. She was REAL. Her honesty, friendliness, kindness, advocate for patients, her humor- the whole package. Loved seeing her- such a positive person. My thoughts are with you all.
Susan Boevers
Sandy, Ut
Susie and her beautiful smile will be missed by all of us in the neighborhood. We are so sorry for your loss. Much love to all of you during this very difficult time.
Kathy and Tim Weiler
Salt Lake City, UT
Eric, Kallie, & Kip, I'm Sherry Miller's daughter, in case my name is not familiar. It has been a long time. I was so saddened to hear about Susie. I know it has been a long time since I had seen you or her, but news of her passing still knotted my stomach and tore at my heart as if it were only yesterday. You all were such a great and important part of my young life. It's hard to think that was so long ago. She was an incredible woman, and I am sorry for your loss and for your pain. You're in my heart and my thoughts. With Much Love, Jenny
Jenny Miller
Salt Lake City, UT
We are so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. We will always remember her as an amazing and beautiful person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
The Pessini Family
St. Johnsbury, VT
To the Family of Susan Martin, We extend our sincerest sympathies. My Mom, Wendy Landes, also battled a rare sarcoma [liposarcoma] for 5 years and sadly passed away in March 2013. Our whole family was touched by Susan's obituary and know the many struggles sarcoma brings. 5 years ago my brother, sister and I began "The Wendy Walk" to raise awareness, support, and research funding for rare sarcomas. We have funded research for leiomyosarcoma. We are having a Wendy Walk event this Sunday, Sept. 7, 9:30 AM in Park City, 4500 N. Ranch Creek Lane, and wonder if you might be interested in meeting us. You can google "The Wendy Walk" and/or call me at 310-487-5488. I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you. Sincerely, Ali Landes
Ali Landes
Park City, Ut