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 traveled 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.
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We will always remember Susan, as beautiful,lovely,and remarkable Lady! She was a wonderful woman and we all Loved her deeply! She will be missed by all!
Hair Headquarters.
March 15, 2013
I will miss you dear friend. You knew how to laugh and that you did.
H.G.E.
March 10, 2013
Susan, you helped me through some tough times in my life and I will miss your counsel, your humor, and your kindness. You were one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure to know. It was and is my pleasure to call you friend, mentor, guide...I will miss you dearly.
Jim Reynolds
March 10, 2013
Susan, you were the real deal and had a truly special heart. You were always patient, kind and willing to help anyone who walked into your office. It was a pleasure working down the hall from you at Peterson AFB, CO. You will be truly missed by everyone whose life you touched and inspired. May you rest in peace.
Jessica Arp
March 10, 2013
Susan truly lived life to the fullest and made such an impact to the lives of people she met along the way. Rest peacefully, my friend.
Bev & Malia Price
March 10, 2013
We will remember Susan as a valiant warrior. For over twenty years she engaged in uniting the community to confront suicide as a preventable health problem. With courage and dignity she battled the disease that took her from us. In all ways Susan epitomized 'classy lady'. We pray her family finds solace knowing her loving, cheerful demeanor, her talents, passion, generosity and tireless effort left indelible footprints on the hearts of all who knew her and made the world a safer, kinder place.
LaRita and Eldon Archibald
March 9, 2013
Susan lived her life fully and gave her all to whatever she did. We consider ourselves blessed to have crossed paths with her the years we did. She is an inspiration for all that is good.
Sharon Raggio and Tim Landis
March 9, 2013
We will miss our dear friend dearly. Susan was the best of everything - dignified, funny, loving, gracious, generous and gorgeous. Our hearts go out to the Golden and Marino families as they come to terms with this great loss. She left a wonderful legacy for all who knew her.
Susan & Dan Bandy
March 8, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Golden family. I was struck when looking at Susan's picture gallery that she had a wonderful smile in every single photo! Hers truly was a life well lived. Several years ago we were lucky to spend a New Year's Eve with Susan and her husband and a group of their dear friends. Prayers going out to her loving family. Al & Carol Galus
Al & Carol Galus
March 7, 2013
No greater courage, no greater friend
Patricia (Perrin) Mangis
March 7, 2013
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