Susan Hayward Obituary

Susan Mary Hayward, 59, beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 2, 2012. Her parents, Lee and Mary Hayward, joyously welcomed Susan to this world on March 14, 1953 in Aurora, Colorado. Preceded in death by her father, Lee, and brothers, Lee and Stephen, Susan is survived by her precious mother and best friend, Mary; sister, Sydney Hay; niece, Sarah Raybon; nephew, Andrew Hoff; a grand niece and three grand nephews and her cherished poodle, Tootsie. Her family and treasured friends too numerous to count are all are deeply sorrowful at Susan's passing. A lifelong resident of her beloved state of Colorado, Susan led a life full of generosity, warmth and caring toward all who knew her -- with a huge helping of creativity and fun along the way. Susan was valedictorian of her graduating class at Marycrest High School in Denver, and graduated magna cum laude from Colorado College in Colorado Springs. She was accomplished in sales, business, music and theatre. Her tenure with New England Life earned her a CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation, the world's most respected designation of insurance expertise and the much-sought-after Million Dollar Roundtable. Susan earned many piano performance awards, including the International Level in the National Piano Playing Auditions and membership in the National Guild of Piano Teachers. She delighted in performing in the local choral group, Vocal Fusion. The group's rendition of "I'm Gonna Ride That Glory Train" was a particular favorite. In her comedy business, Haywire Productions, Susan brought joy to audiences with zany skits and parodies and even a one-woman show portraying Unsinkable Molly Brown. Susan reveled in acting, with roles in productions at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, Theatreworks and the Iron Springs Chateau, where she loved taking part in melodramas and Vaudeville olios, especially when she performed the often-requested "One Fine Day" in her poodle skirt. Susan also founded Discover Your Talent, where she taught many, especially children, to play the piano. What a hoot it was to hear Susan banging out a "boogie-woogie" on the ivories. Susan and her poodle, Tootsie, were almost inseparable. Friends and family will continue to cherish the formal portraits of Susan and Tootsie, both wearing matching pearl necklaces. Susan also loved butterflies, whether in gardens, painted on walls or in photographs. In them, Susan saw God's handiwork and experienced His loving touch. But, the thing Susan loved most was sharing with others the Good News of our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. There will be many souls in Heaven due to Susan's witness. Certainly Heaven is rejoicing at her arrival and her family and friends take comfort in imagining the uproar her flamboyant sense of humor is causing. There will now be comical limericks, improvisational comedy sketches and fun, fun, fun with the angels and saints now that Susan Hayward is Home. A memorial celebration of Susan's life will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2845 Parliament Drive in Colorado Springs.