Susan Schweitzer Obituary

Schweitzer
Susan Schweitzer
July 25, 1950
October 15, 2023

On Sunday, October 15, Susan (Suzi) VanDover Schweitzer passed away at the age of 73. Born in McPherson, Kansas, to Ka and Helen, Suzi grew up in Colorado with her three sisters, Patricia, Rhonda, and Shelley. She attended Colorado State University receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology. While working as a Medical Technician in Denver, she met her future husband of 49 years, Dino, who was attending the United States Air Force Academy. They were married two days after graduation in Denver in June where a freak snowstorm cut off the power to the reception.
Spending 21 years as an Air Force spouse, Suzi lived in six different states. During that time, she earned her Masters Degree at the University of Nebraska, and her Doctorate in Experimental Pathology at the University of Colorado. It was also during that time that she and Dino adopted their two sons, Curtis and Justin. Finally settling back in Colorado for good in 1985, Suzi made use of her education by teaching Pathophysiology and conducting research at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She retired from teaching in 2010.
In addition to her scientific background, Suzi wrote poetry, specifically children poetry. She completed two books of poems, many of them Christian-based. She was very active in the church, leading small group studies and volunteering her time for various church programs. Perhaps her greatest achievement was her battle with Parkinson's Disease which was first diagnosed in 1999. She demonstrated both courage and stamina dealing with the ever-increasing challenges, both physical and cognitive, associated with the disease. Throughout her battle, she remained a devoted mother and wife with a positive attitude.
Suzi is survived by her husband, Dino; son Curtis with spouse Angie and grandchildren Zebulon and Agustine; and son Justin with spouse Dulce. A memorial service will be held to honor Suzi's life on Monday, October 30 at 11 a.m. at Village Seven Presbyterian Church in Colorado Springs. In lieu of flowers we request that a donation be made in Suzi's name to the Parkinson Foundation (parkinson.org).