THOMPSONVILLE – Susan Elaine Saxe of Thompsonville, Illinois, born on October 9th, 1948, died on September 28, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. She is survived by husband, Tom; three children, and six grandchildren, Matthew and Faith Saxe, Lauren, Emma, Luke, and Madelyn; Jonathan and Erin Saxe, Reilly and Reesa; and Elizabeth and Timothy VanOrden. Susan was preceded in death last year by her cousin, Rebecca Whittington.
Susan was the only child of Leon and Marjorie Lewis of Benton, Illinois. She graduated as valedictorian from Benton Consolidated High School in 1967 and attended Illinois State University, where she majored in English. After graduating, Susan began working as a teacher and married Tom on June 5, 1971.
As a lifelong member of North Benton Baptist Church, Susan faithfully served the congregation as a skilled pianist, accompanying countless hymns and providing offertory music for decades.
After teaching at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels, including as a special education teacher, Susan spent many years as a 4th grade general education teacher. She completed a Masters degree in Education from Rockford University in 2002. She retired from teaching after 39 years in 2009.
Following a lifelong passion for reading which she passed on to her students, Susan worked part time at the Benton Public Library for much of her retirement, often being greeted with enthusiasm by former students bringing their children or grandchildren to the library.
Visitation for Susan Saxe will be held at North Benton Baptist Church, 623 Joplin St, Benton, IL 62812 on Saturday October 5, 2024, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Benton Public Library in Susan’s name. Information can be found at www.bentonlibrary.com/donate-to-the-library/.
For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.
