Susan Andrea Triplett

It is with deep sorrow and much love, we mourn the passing of Susan “Sue” Andrea Triplett (Cella) – a wife, mother, Gigi, daughter, sister, and friend who filled every moment with laughter, love, and awesomeness into the lives of all who knew her. Sue passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, after a 10-year battle with melanoma that had metastasized to her brain. Her legacy of kindness, humor, and a life well-lived will be forever cherished by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Sue was born to Walter and Martha Cella (Altermatt) on April 5, 1960, in Columbus, Ohio, the youngest of their four children. Her husband, Kurt, always said he would never forget Sue’s birthday because it was 4-5-6, (4/5/1960).

Sue met and fell in love with Kurt while working at Nationwide Insurance. It was love at first sight for Kurt. Even before he really knew her, he would tell all his friends, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” After a short courtship, Kurt proposed on Valentine’s Day while on a ski lift. The running joke was that he picked the ski lift so that if she said “no,” he could push her off. That night, the engagement was celebrated with a champagne toast at the trunk of Kurt’s car with their friends of 40 years, Mark and Kristi Trigg. They were married on November 1, 1986, in Columbus, Ohio, the start of 38 years of unadulterated bliss.

When Sue and Kurt decided it was time to start a family, they were hoping for both a boy and a girl. They were blessed first with Lindsey Nicole and once again, two and a half years later, with Andrew “Drew” Gallen. They did it, a boy and a girl, after which they emphatically said, “We’re done!” When Lindsey first met Drew at the hospital, the nurse carried Drew into the room, she walked straight to Lindsey and laid Drew in her lap. Sue and Kurt always said that’s why Lindsey “mothered” Drew growing up, and if the truth be told, she still does.

Sue embraced motherhood with her whole heart, offering Lindsey and Drew unconditional love, unwavering support, and endless encouragement. She was the kind of mom who could juggle it all – volunteering at school, organizing events, attending every school function, and even excelling at many of Drew’s school projects. A family joke is that she “aced” all of Drew’s third-grade assignments. Her nurturing presence, empathy, and selflessness set a foundation of strength and love that shaped Lindsey and Drew into who they are today. But Sue’s love extended far beyond her own children. Lindsey and Drew’s friends adored her, drawn to her warm personality and easy sense of humor. Their house quickly became the favorite hangout spot, where everyone felt welcome and cared for.

Sue’s life was filled with a contagious joy and positivity that touched everyone around her. She had a laugh that could light up a room – so distinctive that family and friends lovingly referred to her signature “wind-up,” a laugh so hearty and uncontainable that it would often end with tears streaming down her face. Her humor was effortless, and her family fondly remembers her “10x funnier jokes” – moments where her unintentional wit left everyone in stitches. Of course, Sue also had her quirks, like her need to look absolutely perfect before leaving the house, no matter the occasion. It was this dedication to her appearance that nearly caused her to miss the birth of one of her granddaughters, a family story that will forever make them smile.

Sue will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Kurt Triplett; children, Lindsey (Scott) Goodman and Drew (Jill) Triplett; grandchildren, Audrey Triplett, Bridget Triplett, Teddy Triplett, Brie Goodman, Bryn Goodman, and Baby Goodman due in March; mother, Marth Cella; brothers, Chris (Kathi) Cella and Steve (Becky) Cella; and many others who loved her dearly. Welcoming Sue into heaven are her father, Walter Cella, and sister, Julie Crowley.

While we will miss Sue every day, we are comforted by the memories she left us and the love she shared so freely.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brigid of Kildare Church, 7179 Avery Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Lockbourne, Ohio. Memorial donations in Sue’s memory may be directed to the Melanoma Research Fund at The Ohio State University https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/314782.