Susan Browning

(From Parker Mortuary)

Registered nurse, educator, and retired hospital administrator. Susan Jane Browning, age 81, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2021 surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Her battle with serious medical issues in recent months showed her courage in facing life challenges with a smile. Despite the pain, Susan came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.

She was born January 2, 1940 in Ithaca, New York to Herman Jacob Brueckner and Eleanor Hamilton Gibbs Brueckner.

In 1943 she moved with her family to Piedmont, California. She graduated from Piedmont High School in 1957 and received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Stanford University graduating number one in her class.

She attended the University of Colorado on a full scholarship from Stanford as recognition for accomplishments as an undergraduate and received a Master’s degree in Nursing. She then moved to Seattle and taught Nursing at University of Washington for two years. She also received her Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Colorado. Susan’s pride was in her students, and she shared her passion for nursing with thousands of nursing students over the years.

Susan became the Director of Nursing Services and Associate Dean in the School of Nursing at the University of Colorado Medical Center from 1972 to 1984. Susan went on to become the Assistant Administrator of the University Medical Center, and ultimately the CEO/President until she retired in 1992.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Susan. She loved a quiet evening with friends and a glass of wine in hand. She was a gourmet cook and she wrote a cookbook called “Your Place or Mine”. Susan’s greatest love was the Lord, and her next greatest was golf. She served as Woman’s Golf Association President in both Colorado and Missouri. She organized many women’s golf tournaments and played on courses all around the world. She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Eleanor Brueckner, her husband Tom Browning, her sister Nancy Scherrer, and her brother Bob Brueckner. Susan is survived by her brother Karl Brueckner and his wife Barbara. Her beloved nieces Wendy, Shannon, Lisa, Laura, Linda, Sandy and Samantha. Her nephews Chad, Todd, Tom, and Vern. Sister-in-law Nina Brueckner. And a brother-in-law Bud Scherrer, and many great nieces and nephews.

Sue was a strong, determined and fiercely independent woman. We will miss her every day.

A memorial service will be planned and held for Sue at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Joplin Missouri.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Parker Mortuary.