Susanne Woodin (13 Dec 1930 - 28 Jan 2025)

Every now and then– perhaps just for a small window of time - we cross paths with people who make an enduring impact for good. Sue is such a person.
For a couple of years in the early 1980’s I was on the receiving end of the welcoming spirit and generous hospitality of Charles and Sue Woodin. It is something you only truly appreciated when in a position to extend it yourself. Then you can understand what such a gift requires of us.
This generous spirit is Sue’s legacy : it is alive and continues to inspire. But there is more.
Sue had a manner that would invite young minds to think about things in new ways … or possibly for the first time. Standing in front of the kitchen sink – perhaps washing dishes or vegetables -and gazing at nothing in particular in the garden over gooseberries or a quince on the window sill, Sue would start an idea with, “I’m not completely sure that …. “, and then go on to fill out a concept with complete certainty in a way that made those of us with not much clue comfortable to contribute. At least, that’s how it seemed to me.
Her conservationist instincts were expressed in practical and popular ways. How much more willingly would the call these days for restraint in our use of energy be embraced with the help of Sue’s rule: If the oven is on and there is space, throw in a rice pudding.
Two years came and went. I last heard from Sue in 2022 via email. It was a response to an email from me sent in 2015 which she had only just found. She wrote about the family, particularly the grandchildren, but almost nothing about herself. However, there was one small autobiographical detail. In a reflection about the family at the time I was there she made reference to Michael and his “two older sisters and bossy mum”. Her words, not mine.
Thank you Sue. Sleep well. See you soon.