"So very sorry to learn of Susie's passing. It has been my privilege to have known Susie since our high school days. To a truly beautiful and brilliant lady. My best to Bob and the children. Suzy Devine Sams Suzy Devine Sams"
In loving memory of
Dr. Susan Ann Stephens
December 1, 1945 - March 7, 2017
Dr. Susan Ann Stephens, 71, of Carmel passed away March 7, 2017. Susan was born December 1, 1945 to the late Victor and Rita (Hartzheim) Radloff in Appleton, WI. She was a graduate of Carmel High School, Indiana University and Indiana University School of Medicine. Susan was board certified in three specialties; Family Practice, Internal Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. Susan worked as an Emergency Medicine physician for St. Vincent Hospital for over 20 years and also served as an officer of the St. Vincent's Emergency Room Physicians, Inc.
Susan spent most of her life in Carmel, Indiana. During her time at Carmel High School, she was a cheerleader, an officer in student government and an editor of the school newspaper. She was the first Carmel High School female graduate to complete medical school. Susan also had a deep appreciation for the arts and supported local efforts in many ways. She loved to read and was devoted to the Carmel Clay Public Library, helping to create, along with her siblings, the Radloff Endowment. Susan also loved music and movies and encouraged her children and grandchildren to include them in their lives. Susan loved spending time with grandchildren and traveling. She has created many photo albums and scrap books of her children, grandchildren and her travels.
Dr. Stephens was a strong-willed woman who was a trailblazer for women in science and medicine. It took some effort for her to convince her parents to allow her to attend college and medical school. Once there, she had clearly found her passion and went on to serve many throughout her life. She has also touched many area physicians by participating in their educations during their Emergency Room rotations. These physicians include Craig Cieciura, M.D. and Michael Sermersheim, M.D., two physicians who diligently and sensitively cared for her until the end of her life.
She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Dr. Robert Stephens; her beloved children, Jenny (Tom) Berger, Aaron (Estelle) Stephens, Bobby (Kristi) Stephens, John (Kate) Stephens; devoted grandchildren, Emma, Zachary, Isabella, Eli, Eva, Luc, James, Mary, and Rita. She is also survived by her siblings, Janet Guildenbecher, Paul (Bev) Radloff, James (Tari) Radloff and Mary Klabacha; and a host of dear friends and grateful patients.
Susan's family will receive friends Saturday, March 11th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary, Smith Carmel Chapel. A Service of Remembrance will begin at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Parkinson Disease Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or the Carmel Clay Public Library-Radloff Endowment.
Tributes
"Mr.Stephens, Aaron and Family,
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Stephens. She made a positive impact in so many lives. I remember the great times our families had with all the sporting events with Aaron growing up. Lots of hugs and prayers sent to you and your family.
Warmest regards,
Greg Benitez and Family. "
"Barbara L. Russo, RN
I had the honor of working with Dr. Stephens "Susie" for over 25 years as an attending physician in the ER at St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. She was an advocate for nursing personnel and all healthcare staff in the ER and the other units especially Critical Care where I really was able to get to know her. She and Annie Franklin, the beloved Director of the ER Nurses and staff, were an amazing team!!
Once you convinced her you were concerned about patient care and offering the best, she would do everything in her power to make the patient situation "happen"; whether it was help to transfer a patient to one of the units, discuss and explain the patient's case with other attending physicians, or comfort a grieving family. My memories of her are all positive; looking back, I can see how many of her decisions were based upon her strong faith-based values, her brilliant analytical abilities, and love of her work. She truly was a trailblazer for women in science and medicine. She treated all individuals, staff and patients alike, with compassion, respect and reverence for the uniqueness of each life. My deepest sympathy to Dr. Bob Stephens and all of her family. "
"Our deepest sympathies during your family's time of loss. Wishing you all peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Your mom's memory will live on through all the people whose life she touched each and every day. Please know our loving thoughts and prayers embrace you and your family,
Dermatology, inc.
"
"Susie was a loving sister who always had a wise word for her younger sister. I will miss her greatly! Sister Janet "