Susan Diane Thompson, 65, of Vero Beach died Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010.
Born in Coupville, Wash., in 1945, Susan attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, Calif. In 1981, the Thompson family moved to Vero Beach, where Susan worked for many years as a portfolio manager for Professional Advisory Services. In 1993 she became a chartered financial analyst.
Susan’s lifelong love of nature led her to serve for many years as a local chapter representative and ultimately as a Board Member and State Treasurer for the Florida Native Plant Society. In 2006, she received the Society’s Silver Palmetto Award.
She was also active politically and volunteered with the Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County. Susan was named the James T. Vocelle Democrat of the Year multiple times, in recognition of her dedicated service to the Democratic Party.
Susan enjoyed traveling and did so throughout her life. Her passion for gardening, landscaping with native plants, wildlife, and environmental protection was driven by her love for everything outdoors.
Survivors include her daughter, Sarah Thompson; son, Jesse Thompson; sister, Kathy Pintone; brothers, Tim and Ernie Lieseke; her nieces and nephews; and her beloved Pomeranian, Mako.
She will be missed by the many people who knew and loved her.
An intimate gathering of friends and family will take place at Susan’s home on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Florida Native Plant Society, PO Box 278, Melbourne, FL 32902-0278, www.fnps.org or the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County, 2300 5th Ave Suite 150, Vero Beach, FL 32960, www.alzpark.org, or planting a tree in her honor.
The family has planted a live oak, along with a memorial plaque, in Vero Beach’s Riverside Park in celebration of her life.