Susan Hunter (30 Oct 1946 - 17 Jan 2021)

In loving memory of Susan Hunter who sadly passed away on 17th January 2021.

Susan's funeral was on Friday 26th February at 10am at Mansfield Crematorium. Due to Covid restrictions we were unable to hold a large service, The family would like to share with you the Eulogy that was read by The Revd Nicola Carnall, Vicar of the Parish of Mansfield Woodhouse.

"It was good to talk to Kenneth and to Natalie in preparation for this service. I’m really grateful for the information they have given me to share with you today.

It should be noted, however, that most of what follows came from Sue herself. In what I gather was her usual organised fashion, she had written down her life story in preparation for today. Susan Marilyn Parker (as she was then) was born at Peel Street Hospital in Nottingham on 30 October 1946. She grew up in Rainworth with her sister Valeria (pronunciation?) who was 9 years older.

When she was 5 years old, Sue contracted pneumonia. She said she had so many injections of penicillin that her bottom looked like a pin cushion!

When she recovered, it was time for her to go to Heathlands School. However, she was so afraid that she kept running home. Her parents took her to see a child psychologist – a Dr Blondy – who said that she had become too reliant on her parents looking after her, and she needed to have her self-confidence restored.

For 3 days she sat on the wall outside her home whilst her friends went to school. At lunchtime she would go inside for dinner. Finally off she went to school - and her Mum spent all day watching her!

After this, Sue went to High Oakham School, becoming first deputy head girl and then head girl. She took her school certificate, attaining some distinctions, and went on to Manor Grammar Tech, gaining 5 O’ levels.

After training as a GPO Telephonist, Sue went to work at Mansfield Police Station for ten years –answering the phone, something to do with Panda cars (she didn’t specify!) and making the tea. She enjoyed every minute of it and only left because of shift changes.

In 1976, Sue started work at Mansfield Job Centre, having completed a shorthand and typing course. There she dealt mainly with members of the public who were looking for work. In 1986 she moved to Sutton Job Centre, retiring in 1996 on health grounds.

At the age of 23, Sue had married John Swift and they lived on Helmsley Road in Rainworth. Sadly they parted in 1986.

Kenneth told me that, after the divorce, Sue moved into the flat below where he was living and they gradually got to know each other. They were married in 1991.

Having no children of her own, Sue was delighted to gain step-daughters Kim and Carol, and step- son Kevin; grandchildren Natalie, Michael, Sarah, Oliver, Andrew, Kenny, Pippa and Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Noa, Ella, Lev, Clyde, Amelia and Casey.

Sue also has a niece Mandy, great nieces Natalie and Shalina, and Shalina’s daughter Octavia.

In her younger days, Sue enjoyed most activities: walking, horse riding, boating, water skiing and badminton. She always had dogs in her life – Corgis, a Basset Hound, a Scottish Terrier, a Spaniel, and Border Collies. Natalie told me how much Sue missed her last dog – Susie – when she died last year.

Kenneth told me about the holidays he and Sue enjoyed together - in Germany and Belgium and other parts of Europe. He also told me that she loved music, and that she chose all the music in the service today.

Sue’s main love was walking the dogs in the local forests. She was also passionate about gardening – she grew flowers and vegetables before and after she was married. Sue was a member of the Warsop branch of the Royal British Legion. She supported Ken in his standard bearing duties and transported him to many different venues. Sue also undertook
voluntary work in the Tea Bar at Mansfield Community Hospital.

Natalie also told me how Sue was brilliant with technology. She says, “When I moved to the Holy Land of Israel with my family in 2015 she made sure she was on Whatsapp and Facetime with my kids. I asked her what she wanted me to bring her from Israel, anything she wanted. She said “Bring me back some sand that Jesus walked on.” So off we went to bottle some up.

Natalie continues, “When we arrived in the UK, we didn't tell Sue or Grandad that we were here in the UK. We stood outside their house on Dec 11th and told her to come outside as a rather large delivery was waiting. It was myself, my husband Alan, and Noa, Eilah and Lev. We were so happy to have given her the sand a few weeks before she passed away.”

Kenneth told me that everything about Sue was special. It’s clear that she will be very much missed – by him and all her family."