Sue Ann Ogden, 88, of Vero Beach, passed away on Feb. 4, 2014.
She is survived by her sons, Lawrence Winfield Ogden, and Stephen Edward Ogden; and grandson, Matthew Lawrence Ogden.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, Lawrence James Ogden, and brother, Winfield Raymond Turley.
Ogden was raised in a family that loved music and began playing piano at an early age. She graduated from Greenbrier College and the University of Kentucky, and worked as a classical concert producer in New York City prior to her marriage to Lawrence James Ogden of Philadelphia, a West Point graduate.
Their life together became a magical whirlwind of postings around the world and the United States.
With each move, Ogden remained dedicated to her sons and husband.
She possessed qualities rarely found—dogs would approach her unafraid and birds would alight and feed from her outstretched hand. When stationed abroad, she taught at the American Schools. In 1963, when the family moved to Taiwan, she helped found The Church of the Good Shepard, the first American Episcopal Church in that country. During their years in Hawaii, Sue Ann began practicing yoga and meditation, which she continued throughout her life.
The family moved to Washington D.C., in the early 1970s, and Ogden began volunteering at the newly opened Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In the late 1980s, she and her husband became winter residents of Vero Beach, moving there full time in 1992.
Special thanks go to her son, Steve, who was her amazing companion and primary care-giver in her later years.
Ogden will be laid to rest with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center, 1506 Lake Highland Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
Strunk Funeral Home of Vero Beach is handling arrangements.