NEW CANAAN, Conn. — With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Susan Lampson George, a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, colleague, and friend. Susan, along with her siblings, Barbara, Nancy, Tom, and Jim, was raised in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, the children of Howard and Helen Lampson (nèe Anderson).
Susan was a quiet and remarkable member of the community, an excellent student, who also participated in a variety of activities. She was an active member of the Methodist Youth Fellowship, a member of the Student Council, played the flute in both the concert and marching bands, and was selected as first chair flute, in her senior year. She attended band camp, was a cheerleader, and was a member of Future Homemakers of America.
Susan and her siblings learned to drive at a very early age at the Peabody Coal Mine. Her love of speed earned her the nickname “Lead Foot Lampson.” Her fondness for the open road was founded on the family’s many trips to their namesake town in Wisconsin.
Susan studied Nursing at The University of Evansville, where she received her BSN. This was followed by a job in Seattle and later a research grant in Oahu, Hawaii.
One morning, at Makaha Beach, Hawaii, she and her roommate were approached by a young Army lieutenant, who finally got around to asking them both to dinner. That man, Doug George, would later become Susan’s husband and the love of her life.
They moved to New York City, where Susan obtained her master’s degree from Columbia University. Though she was admitted to their PhD program, she decided to concentrate on her career and along with Doug, start a family.
Susan was named chairperson of New York’s Lenox Hill Hospital’s OB/GYN Nursing Education Department.
After living in Garden City, New York, and Houston, Texas, they and their two sons, Doug Jr. and Grant, moved to New Canaan in 1980. The boys filled their mother’s heart with joy and love. She was completely devoted to them and celebrated each success and every holiday with champagne.
She was very active in community affairs. She was the head of the Parents’ Association at East School, organized several fundraising events, was a member of several professional women’s associations, and was a vocal advocate for local political issues.
During those years she taught Nursing at Fairfield University and, for the last 25+ years, was a member of the Nursing Faculty at Norwalk Community College. Upon her retirement from full-time teaching, she was recognized with an Emeritus designation. Susan continued on as a part-time student advisor.
Her passing was a great shock and a terrible loss to her school colleagues. They organized a special memorial lunch in her honor. Over 20 of her friends attended and each had their own “Susan” story to tell. Most echoed how she had helped them during periods of their own adjustment, how she was a mentor to all and someone who insisted on professionalism.
Susan delighted in becoming a grandmother to Schuyler, Lorelei, Amelia, and James, always bringing warmth and happiness to their times together.
As we bid farewell to Susan, we remember her as a beacon of love and compassion, for her spirit of adventure and her dedication to family. She will be sorely missed!
A memorial service for Susan will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, at the Beaver Dam Methodist Church, with a private family internment following in Sunnyside Cemetery.
Any expression of sympathy may be made to The Beaver Dam Methodist Church.
For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com.