Susan Brown Holsclaw

Born in Colorado, Susan was a sharp student, an ace at all sports, and gifted with a keen eye for art and design. She knew what she liked when she saw it — including when she laid eyes on her handsome husband-to-be, Bill, arriving home from the Navy. He was her one and only for 57 happy years.

Bill and Susan established a home, birthed four children, Roy James (deceased), Kristin Ann, Eric Avery (deceased), and Valerie Beth, and made a name for hosting the most smashing champagne parties in the neighborhood, from California to New England.

Her skills at her sewing machine are also legendary. As a young girl, Susan came in second place in a sewing competition, winning a Singer sewing machine as her prize but, alas, not the trip to Paris she so badly wanted. (Not to worry, Bill took her to France twice to make up for it!) Over decades, she sewed chic suits and lacy christening dresses, countless curtains, pillows, quilts, and pajamas — and launched a small business of stylish handmade hats to protect against the Arizona sun.

To say Susan loved her family is only scratching the surface. Her arms extended far beyond Bill and the kids to embrace cousins and beloved acquaintances across continents. In fact, she was the keeper of the entire family’s history and the archivist of genealogical backgrounds spanning hundreds of years. A longstanding member of The D.A.R., Colonial Dames, The Mayflower Society, and the P.E.O., Susan felt deep connections with the past and bright hopes for the futures of her children and their families.

Susan’s departure comes with deep sadness, tempered by the reassurance that she is now resting side by side with Bill, surrounded by all her loved ones who predeceased her, and throwing one hell of a dinner party. So the next time you hear thunder crackle in the sky, it might just be Bill and Susan popping corks again for all eternity.

A private service will be held on January 22, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Road, Skokie, IL 60076