Susie Vincent, a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and beloved friend, passed away on December 24, 2024, at the age of 77, surrounded by her family in El Paso, Illinois. Her peaceful passing marks the end of a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and immeasurable kindness. The absence of Susie will be deeply felt by her family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, compassion, and a life well-lived. Born on June 4, 1947, in Bloomington, Illinois, Susie was the daughter of Harold and Martha Thompson. Raised in a close-knit family, she learned early on the values of hard work, loyalty, and kindness. Susie was a bright, thoughtful child, and she carried these traits into adulthood.
She was known for her compassion and empathy, always willing to lend a hand to those in need, whether it was a neighbor, a friend, or a stranger. Susie attended El Paso High School, where she quickly became known for her warm smile and her ability to connect with others. She was an active participant in school activities, particularly in the choir and theater program, where her love of music and performance blossomed. Her friends fondly recall her as a fun-loving and caring individual, always the first to offer encouragement and support. Her love for the arts would stay with her throughout her life, and she found great joy in attending local theater performances, musical events, and art exhibitions.
After high school, Susie attended Illinois State University, where she earned her degree in education. It was during her time at ISU that she met the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Vincent. The two were introduced by mutual friends, and their connection was immediate. Susie and Tom were married in 1970, beginning a partnership that would last 54 years. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and a deep sense of purpose. Their shared commitment to family and community was a foundation for a beautiful and lasting marriage. In 1972, Susie and Tom moved to El Paso, where they raised their two children, David and Laura. As a mother, Susie was nothing short of exceptional. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives, always present at school events, sports activities, and extracurricular pursuits.
She nurtured a home filled with love, learning, and respect. Her children recall her as a patient and supportive mother who never hesitated to offer guidance or lend a listening ear. Her home was a place of comfort, and there was always room for one more at her table. Whether it was a homemade meal, a birthday celebration, or just a quiet afternoon at home, Susie made everyone feel welcome and loved. Alongside her role as a mother, Susie was also a dedicated educator. She spent over 30 years teaching elementary school students in the El Paso-Gridley School District. Known for her creativity and ability to make learning engaging, Susie was beloved by her students and respected by her colleagues.
She had a special gift for connecting with children, encouraging them to think critically and creatively. Many of her former students remember her as a teacher who made them feel seen, heard, and valued, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. Susie’s love for her community extended beyond the classroom. She was actively involved in several local organizations, including the El Paso United Methodist Church, where she was a long-time member. She served on various committees, organized events, and was always willing to help in any way she could. Her volunteer work in the community reflected her deep commitment to making the world a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.
In her later years, Susie found great joy in being a grandmother. She adored her three grandchildren, Grace, Lily, and Ben. Spending time with them brought her immense happiness, and she was always ready to spoil them with treats, hugs, and stories. Whether they were baking cookies together, crafting, or simply enjoying a walk around the neighborhood, Susie’s love for her grandchildren knew no bounds. Her family was the heart of her life, and her love for them was unconditional and all-encompassing.
Susie’s hobbies and interests were diverse, reflecting her vibrant personality. She had a love for gardening and spent countless hours tending to her flowers and plants, creating beautiful spaces that were a testament to her nurturing nature. She was also an avid reader, often recommending books to friends and family, and had an extensive collection of novels spanning a variety of genres. Susie enjoyed cooking and hosting family gatherings, often making her signature dishes that have now become family traditions. Her sense of humor was infectious, and she had a way of making people laugh even in the most difficult of times.
Susie’s passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of all who knew her. She was a woman who gave of herself selflessly, with an open heart and a warm smile. Her love for her family, her friends, and her community was boundless, and her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched. Susie is survived by her husband, Thomas Vincent; her children, David (Sarah) Vincent and Laura (Jacob) Matthews; her grandchildren, Grace, Lily, and Ben; her sisters, Karen (David) Hawley and Joan (Mark) Greene; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Martha Thompson, and her brother, Michael Thompson.
A celebration of Susie’s life will be held on December 30, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the El Paso United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow at the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the El Paso Community Food Pantry, an organization that Susie supported throughout her life. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Susie Vincent, a woman whose kindness, generosity, and love touched the lives of so many. To Tom, David, Laura, and the entire Vincent family, our hearts go out to you during this incredibly difficult time. We share in your grief and offer our deepest condolences.
Susie was a shining example of what it means to live a life of service, compassion, and love. Her family, friends, and community were blessed to know her, and she will be dearly missed. As you navigate this difficult time, may you find comfort in the beautiful memories you shared with her and in the knowledge that her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her kindness.
To her grandchildren, Grace, Lily, and Ben, know that your grandmother’s love for you was immeasurable. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and devotion, and she will always be with you in spirit. Susie Vincent’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, service, and joy. She will be forever remembered, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her. May she rest in peace, and may her family find strength in the love and support of those around them.
