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Susan Doyle Obituary

Susan Maria Doyle was always a planner. "Ok, so...," she'd start most of our conversations. "Ok, so we'll go to the store first, then we can get dinner at that new restaurant." "Ok so, we need to check the weather before we leave." "Ok, so here's the plan."

Ok so. This was not in her plans. She retired on a Friday in June and found out she had inoperable brain tumors the next Tuesday. We joked that she had really botched up her retirement plans. She wanted to travel to Mexico, Alaska, and Italy. She was ready to take photography classes. She wanted to see her grandchildren grow up. She needed to train her new puppy, Olive. But most of all, my mom had planned on loving all of us in her life even more.

Sue left this world as she led her beautiful life: gracefully and lovingly. She spent her last hours listening to her family sharing stories and glasses of wine, her favorite way to pass an evening. She died early in the morning at her home in Monument, CO, on October 29, 2014. She was 61.

She was so much to so many people. Sue, Susie, Mommo, Ma Doyle, Señora Doyle. And in all of those roles, she embraced us with warmth and unconditional love. There were two places where her love really came through: the classroom and the kitchen.

She taught thousands of students over her 28-year career that took her from Colorado Springs Christian Academy to Lewis-Palmer Middle School, Lewis-Palmer High School, Palmer Ridge High School, and finally to Legend High School. Officially, she was hired by these lucky schools to teach archeology, anthropology, ancient history, and Spanish. Unofficially, she used her curriculum to lead her students on a journey of self-discovery, compassion, and joy.

Sue's kitchen was always filled with mouth-watering aromas; whether she was cooking up Classic Italian dishes or experimenting with a dash of this and a pinch of that for a new dish, no one ever left her house hungry. Sue had a confidence and mastery in culinary matters that allowed her family and friends to dine in high style at every dinner party she hosted. Still, she could never pass up a handful of peanut M&M's or a cold glass of milk for dunking Oreos.

Sue will be profoundly missed by her husband of 42 years, Shannon Joseph Doyle. He first saw her when they were freshmen at Air Academy High School. He has been known to say that he knew right then that he would marry her. Together they have made a beautiful life, rough hewn in places that has given their time together depth and luster.

Sue's children, Mhari Cavan Doyle, of Denver, CO, and Shannon Patrick Doyle, of Fort Collins, CO, know that their mother's spirit will continue to fill their lives with guidance and love. Mhari had the outstanding privilege of teaching alongside her mom for eight years, and she strives every day to teach her own students as her mom inspired her. Shannon Patrick and his wife, Jessica, are raising their children, Jonathan, Madison, and Amalee with the tenderness and unconditional love Sue demonstrated all her life.

Services will be at the Pine Crest Chapel, 106 Pine Crest Way, Palmer Lake, CO, at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Susan Doyle's name to Tri-Lake Cares, 235 Jefferson St., Monument, CO, 80132, for their School Supplies program for students who cannot afford the basics that make education possible. Those students were especially important to Sue, who was known to stock her classroom with extra supplies, breakfast bars, and dulce.

George Eliot wrote that "our dead are not dead to us until they are forgotten," and we will not forget the beautiful, exquisite, graceful woman who was our wife, mother, sister, and friend.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Oct. 31, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Doyle

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Not sure what to say?





Keith Limbird

December 15, 2019

Dear Doyle family,

I would like to convey my condolences, however terribly late, to you all.

It has been 5 years since Sue passed and I have missed her dearly. Her bright smile and beaming eyes will never be forgotten.

Sincerely, Keith Limbird

Amanda Medina

September 10, 2018

My deepest condolences for the loss of this wonderful woman. Apologies for the tardiness, I was not aware of her passing. I hope I have the correct person! I had the pleasure of being her student at Barnum Elementary in Denver(my last name was Ornelas back then). She was always my favorite, and my mother and I tried to keep in touch over the years. I loved her dearly and I will miss her so.

Jane Wolgemuth

May 9, 2018

I am so sorry to be so late in expressing my sorrow and grief at Sues passing. Id recently gone to Sue and Shannons home for a surprise visit following our last conversation 48 years ago, only to learn this terrible truth. I am so sorry to be so late. And yet...reading these tributes to Sue as sister, mother, friend and teacher paints a life full of love and purpose. We were children together, but I wont remember Sue as the 17-year-old I knew, but rather as the woman remembered here. Thank you for that.

Emily Golden

March 5, 2016

Wow, I don't even know where to start. This is late, but I just found this, and I had to add a comment. Susan Doyle was one of the most important people in my life, as I was one of her students. She was so full of life and she always had a smile on her face despite how much pain she was in. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be the person I am today or get where I am today. I owe so much to her and her kindness and love to just another student. I miss Susan everyday. Nobody could have helped, supported, and loved me as she did.

I wish the best to her family, and everyone that found her special in their hearts.

George & Linda Spady

November 7, 2014

Shannon and Family,

What a privilege to have loved and been loved by such a beautiful person. May you all find comfort and strength in our Lord and in each other until you can be reunited again. We had the honor of meeting with Susan over the years at Penrad events and always enjoyed Susan's company.

God Bless you all.

Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

George & Linda Spady

November 7, 2014

Shannon and Family,

What a privileged is yours to love and be loved by such a beautiful person. We pray that you all will find peace and strength in our Lord and in each other until you are reunited again. We are grateful to have met Susan over the years at the many events she graced at Penrad Imaging.

God Bless you all

Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Denise Knight

November 7, 2014

Shannon and family, my deepest sympathies for your loss. She seems to have been an amazing person. Many prayers.

Krystal Holthus

November 7, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. I know she will be greatly missed by many.

jeff vest

November 7, 2014

As one of our tennis family you will be missed very much by very many. God Bless.

Judy Garrity

November 6, 2014

Mhari, Shannon and Shannon, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Susan. It was a priviledge to have known her for the short time we worked together at LPHS. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

John Turrentine

November 5, 2014

What a beautiful person, always smiling and calm. I'm sure she will be missed, but is in a better place now. My heart goes out to her family and those that were close to her.

Dana Hornback (Beneze)

November 5, 2014

Mrs. Doyle, Thank you for being one of my favorite and most memorable teachers. Your sense of humor and kindness has stayed with me. My favorite quote "man, teaching kids all these years has made my hair curly". God bless you and your family in this time of loss. <3

Lindsey Miller (Borum)

November 4, 2014

Thank you mrs.doyle for teaching me ancient history. You always made us smile and laugh and light up the class room. Your amazing now being 30 and have my own son I'll always remember you told us having a smile makes you have a brighter day.

Sonia

November 4, 2014

God bless your family now and in the days to come.

Brianne Engel

November 4, 2014

I had Mrs. Doyle in 6th grade as an Ancient Civilization teacher. I remember walking into every class and feeling like I was transported to some other world. Our classes were always so in-depth and interactive and every day was a new adventure. Shortly after I was in her class, she was building a house in my neighborhood. We saw her car in the driveway (the house was still just framing and concrete) in and we sat in her unfinished living room on camping chairs for what felt like hours just chatting. My sophomore year of high school she came in half-way through the year as a spanish teacher. I quit German and started taking Spanish just for the opportunity to learn from Señora Doyle again. We had so much fun - She brought so much joy and love into all of our lives. My friends still quote happenings from that class on a regular basis (and it was 10 years ago).... and you can blame my coffee addiction entirely on Señora Doyle.

JillJeaneneAuntieLeeJudyJanetAbbeyErin

Judy Opperman

November 4, 2014

Sue, our beautiful, sweet spirited & loving niece & cousin you will be greatly missed & your legacy will live on through your wonderful children Mhari & Shannon Jr & grandchildren Amalee, Jonathan & Madison.
Love Hugs Blessings & Condolences Auntie Lee,Jeanene,Janet,Judy,Jill
& all our families. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Marie Haney

November 3, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tom Patrick

November 3, 2014

It was an honor and joy to work with Sue at PRHS (and with Mhari at LPHS). I have fond memories of a PR staff party at Casa Doyle, with Sue as a most lovely and gracious hostess. My thoughts and prayers are with the Doyle family.

Alison Walczak

November 3, 2014

You all have been in my heart and I am so very sorry for your loss.
'As long we we live, Sue too will live; for she is a part of us and we will remember her' LOVE

Tina Hackett

November 3, 2014

I am saddened by this news. Sue was a kidhearted, passionate and remarkable women. I have many fond memories of my time with her at LPMS. From the moment I walked in her classroom I knew that every student's life would be touched by her kindness, passion and ability to connect with others. I have fond and funny memories of the her. Words sometimes feel empty when trying to convey feelings, but like Sue, her daughter also has that gift. Thank you for sharing the beautiful heartfelt tribute for a very deserving soul!

Nicole Url (Herrera)

November 3, 2014

I remember attendance for the first day of 6th grade history class (1999, LPMS) class took the entire period somehow. And we were totally okay with it.

Joan Ryan

November 2, 2014

Mhari, you wrote such a fantastic, loving story about your Mom, thanks for sharing it with everyone who knew and enjoyed her so much! I was lucky to meet Sue while teaching in the Middle School, while she was a parent of her children in my classes. Shannon and Mhari were great kids, always friendly and cheery to all, as they turned out to be very special adults. Later, Sue joined our LPMS staff, where she was sweet, friendly and kind to all. She had the coolest hair, and a face that lit up with her happy eyes and great smile. I am sad to hear that such a lovely person has left us, and wish Shannon, Shannon, and Mhari peace with her loss, but wonderful memories and her loving spirit always.

Clifford Keen

November 2, 2014

Different choices and life's journey may have carried us apart and else where but now as then and forever Sue ' s smile shines in each of our hearts and in every one she touched.

Kim Rice-Peel

November 2, 2014

What a beautiful tribute for a beautiful lady.

Jim Solinski

November 2, 2014

God Bless Sue and all her Family.
Matthew 5:4
Matthew 11:28

Jennifer Inman

November 2, 2014

I was so blessed to get to meet Sue for a short time when she was in California and needed her hair styled. What a sweet sweet lady. She will be missed

George Cruz

November 1, 2014

Thankful for having the opportunity of working with Sue at both LP and PR. She will be missed.

Brad Jarrell

November 1, 2014

My prayers go out to Shannon and family. What a heartfelt tribute, beautifully written.

Carrie Hendrix

November 1, 2014

Sue was an absolutely wonderful woman. I met her when she came back to teach Spanish at Lewis-Palmer High School on a long term sub job after she decided to "retire" from teaching at LPMS. I enjoyed getting to know her as a teaching colleague. I remember her being so sweet and fun. Her daughter Mhari is a great friend, and she always told me that I would love her mom, which I did. So glad I got to know her if only for a short while. May her family be comforted and find peace in knowing that she is smiling upon them from heaven. Her time may have been short, but the legacy she left her family and friends will be long remembered.

Fred and Sharyn Riley

November 1, 2014

Querida Sue, Que tu corazón y mente encontrar la paz. Vaya con Dios, Amiga.

November 1, 2014

I stumbled upon this obituary while searching for someone else's, and was drawn to read the entire story. What a remarkable woman you have lost, she led a memorable life and touched many people, may she rest in peace.
An awestruck total stranger.

Katie Briley

November 1, 2014

Mrs. Doyle was my spanish teacher my sophomore and junior year at Palmer Ridge High School, and I can easily say that she was my absolute favorite teacher I had my entire high school career. She was passionate about what she taught, and even more so she cared deeply for every person who stepped foot into her classroom. When she moved schools to teach at Legacy we were all devastated, because we knew what an amazing teacher and role model that PRHS was losing. I know that I have been blessed to know this wonderful woman, and she will be greatly missed.

Joanne Howells

November 1, 2014

Sue was a wonderful friend to me. I enjoyed working with her at LPMS, (when LPMS was at Grace Best) and Sue was teaching in the "Pizza Hut" across from the modular where I taught. We became much better friends when LPMS opened in 94'. I spent many mornings helping students with homework in Sue's room. Sue was an outstanding teacher. I know the students loved her and I loved her. I will miss her a lot. My thoughts and prayers to the family. Take care of each other. May Sue rest in peace.

Julie Armstrong

November 1, 2014

"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." (Emily Dickinson). Rest in peace, beloved Friend.

Glorina Amelio- Fetherolf

November 1, 2014

I will miss you forever. My sweet sister. I know you are with mom, dad, nanny and papa. I find comfort knowing that.

Angie Johnston

November 1, 2014

So sad to hear about Sue, gone too soon. But now she will be with her loving family on the other side who are welcoming her into Heaven. My love and prayers go out to all the family.

Evela Gillette

November 1, 2014

Such a beautiful woman and gone too soon. Working with you was an honor. Your smile always brightened up a room. My daughter and nephew remember you as the teacher who taught them how to speak Spanish correctly. I remember when you graciously opened your home for get-togethers. You will be missed but God has now welcomed you into his home. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Time will heal their pain.

Loretta Martin

November 1, 2014

This has to be the most beautifully-written obituary I have ever seen. I did not know her, but wish I had. She sounds like a very amazing woman. I am sorry for your loss.

Bonnie Sands

November 1, 2014

God Bless you in heaven Sue, You brought such a spark of life to the world. Biggest hugs to Mhari and the family.

Patty Matteo

November 1, 2014

Sue was a wonderful friend. I loved working with her at Lewis Palmer Middle School. My son, Luke Dardis loved her as a teacher as did all of the students there. She will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss.

Sue Bell-Smith

November 1, 2014

30 years of love, laughter and sharing with Sue Doyle. I miss her everyday.

Jason and Angie McNett

November 1, 2014

Shannon, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a beautiful light in this world! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Kathy Moore

November 1, 2014

Sue has reached the ultimate destination. God Bless.

Joe Johnson

October 31, 2014

I will miss Sues lovely smile and peaceful demeanor. She always brought a smile to my face and was always kind and warm. I will remember her always.

marisa emlen

October 31, 2014

My dear sister Sue,
I will forever hold you in my heart. I will miss you always. One day we will see each other again. Until then....I love you!!

Barbara White

October 31, 2014

What a privilege it was to teach with Sue for nine years. She was such a blessing to me. I know she will be missed by all of her family and friends.

Lydia Peek

October 31, 2014

I've known Sue for many years and had the chance to sub for her classes since 1996. She was one of those beloved teachers who comes along once in a while and touches the hearts of everyone who comes into contact with her. She was an angel on earth and will continue to spread her wings in heaven. Such sad news to lose her at such a young age. My prayers are with the family!

Sunny Baber

October 31, 2014

Shannon, I'm sorry for your loss. Know you and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sue helped to make high school a place that wasn't half bad looking back on it as I sometimes do.
With Respect
Sunny (Wolfe) Baber

Alexandra Dove

October 31, 2014

I remember her first sparking my interest in history. Her amazing stories like ironing her hair to straighten it. She was so amazing. We will miss you Ms. Doyle : (

Marn Wills-Cuellar

October 31, 2014

After meeting Sue 46 years ago, and with very brief encounters at class reunions, I had the true pleasure of connection just three years ago, with laughter, stories and compassion. Her marriage and family were truly made in Heaven, and in that, Sue, Shannon and the family will again be united in Heaven. Thank you, Sue, for what you brought to this world.

Carol Arnold

October 31, 2014

Sue was an amazing woman/teacher/neighbor and will truly be missed. Her passion for teaching and love for the kids was evident the year she taught our son. Sue was an inspiration not only to her students but to everyone who knew her. My heart goes out to all who loved her...she was taken much too soon.

Jane Garrabrant

October 31, 2014

I will always remember Sue with bright eyes and a bright smile. Such a warm and inviting person. Love to all of the family.

Maddy Mayfield

October 31, 2014

What a joy it was to know your mom she always walked into a room with a smile. She will be missed by everyone she touched. My prayers to your family.

Sharon Pattee

October 31, 2014

I am stunned by our loss--Shannon's wife, Mhari and Shannon Pat's mom, my friend of 37 years. Life can be so cruel, I do know. My last favorite memory of Sue was, yes, in her kitchen. It was not quite two years ago, as she prepared to feed her guests in a celebration of her reunion with Shannon. I was so impressed by her ease and skill while knocking out this absolutely incredible meal for some close friends and family. And, she asked me to stir her sauce, while she moved on to another dish in progress. What a privilege!

I know that Sue had closer friends, for sure. But, the times that we were able to spend together always contained love. That was very easy for Sue.

Amanda Lamb

October 31, 2014

Such sad news. I don't remember a student that didn't love her, and I vividly remember being a 6th grader thinking, "Man, history is SO cool..." for the first time in my life in her class, because of her. May she rest in peace.

Kara

October 31, 2014

Señora Doyle was my teacher over 20 years ago. She was a fun, patient and sweet teacher. I was surprised by how quickly the language came back on a recent trip to Spain. What a wonderful gift. My condolences to those she loved.

Genelle Collins

October 31, 2014

So sorry to hear of your loss Shannon and family..I only met her a couple times but the obituary was certainly a beautiful tribute to her wonderful life.

Julie Keyman Basham

October 31, 2014

Shannon, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Rob Ryder

October 31, 2014

Words cannot express the sadness I feel. Sue is a great lady and a sweet soul who will not be forgotten. She embodied joy, and touched thousands. Shannon, don't hesitate to call if I can serve you in any way as you move through this passage in the journey. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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