Susan Elaine Golden

Susan Elaine Golden, the true definition of a fighter, left this world at her home on March 2, 2013. Born in 1944 in Minneapolis to John and Elaine Harvey, Susan spent her youth as an Army brat, traveling with postings to Japan, Washington, Texas, New York and Germany. Upon graduation from high school, she enrolled at the University of Denver, graduating in 1966 with a BA in International Affairs. Susan then moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked as a research analyst for the CIA.

In 1967, Susan married USAF Lieutenant Robert Golden, and departed on a new military life. Assignments took her to Taiwan, California, Ohio, Washington, D.C., and Alabama. While in Dayton, she earned a MS in Counseling from Wright State University. Along the way Susan held numerous positions, both paid and volunteer. She taught at Providence College in Taiwan, worked at the Dayton Ohio Suicide Prevention organization, and held countless volunteer positions in numerous organizations. Susan began a USAF civil service career at the Los Angeles AFS Family Support Center, which she continued for 20 years at Peterson AFB after moving to Colorado Springs.

While her husband pursued a civilian career in the aerospace industry, Susan lovingly raised their two children. Seeing their current successes and happiness was one of her greatest joys. While playing the role of wife and mother, Susan also found the time to embark on her life’s other mission – suicide prevention. Along with two other women, Susan helped found the Suicide Prevention Partnership of the Pikes Peak Region, and worked tirelessly in that organization for over 20 years. Not only did Susan run the overall operation of SPP as Board Chairman and Executive Director, but she participated in every activity, down to hot-line counselor. The organization chose to honor Susan in February by creating a new counseling program in her name.

Even with all of her hard and selfless work, Susan did leave time to truly enjoy her life. Along with her husband, Susan travelled the world, always looking forward to the next adventure or friend to visit. Susan had a zest for life and a love of others – one of the most self-effacing people in the world. Her greatest joy was helping other people, and her generosity abounded. Her passions included spending time with her grandchildren, traveling, dancing with her husband, playing bridge, reading, and playing tennis.

Susan is survived by her husband of 45 years Robert Golden; daughter Christine; son Patrick and daughter-in-law Kristen; grandchildren Caylin and Brennan; sister Janice Marino and nephews Joseph and James.

A memorial service in honor of Susan will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2650 Parish View, Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (West Woodman Road near the Peregrine neighborhood) on March 11 at 10:30 AM. A catered luncheon party celebrating Susan’s life will directly follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan’s name can be made to “Susan Golden Counseling Program” c/o Suicide Prevention Partnership, 704 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 or National Foundation for Cancer Research, http://www.nfcr.org/, 4600 East West Highway, Suite 525, Bethesda, MD 20814.