In loving memory of

Colleen "Nina" M. Sudor
November 28, 1930 - March 29, 2011

Colleen (Nina) Sudor - Rochester, MNColleen (Nina) Sudor, 80, longtime Rochester resident, passed away surrounded by her family at Seasons Hospice on March 29, 2011 from respiratory illness. Nina was born in 1930 in Jamestown, ND, and graduated from Jamestown High School. She then moved to St. Paul to work for St. Paul Companies and American Hoist and Derrick. She met Don, the love of her life, and married him in Minneapolis on March 31, 1951. Nina and Don moved to Rochester in 1956 where they raised their family. She began a long life of community involvement. Nina started a business as a co-owner of The Wise Owl Shop, which she owned for 10 years. In 1981 she became a co-founder of the Friends of Mayowood, and continued to serve on the board and actively participated in their fundraising activities and events for 30 years. Nina was honored in May of 2010 by the Rochester Heritage Preservation Committee in recognition of her stewardship and dedication to the preservation and conservation of Mayowood. She was a past-president and board member of the Rochester Civic Music Guild. Nina loved to garden and belonged to two garden clubs, one of which was Rochester Plant and Bloom.Nina loved to dote on her grandchildren, and was a loving wife, mother and friend. She will be remembered by all for her kind words, generous smile, sense of style and fun, and especially for her deep devotion to family.Nina is survived by her husband, Donald; daughters, Joan (Fletcher) Hinds of Duluth, MN, Jennifer (Carl) Gebhardt of Plymouth, MN, and Ellen (Phillip) Griffin of Plymouth; son, James (Lori) Sudor of Wabasha, MN; six grandchildren, Carl (Rebecca) Gebhardt, Megan Gebhardt (Harry) Smith, Kevin (Kathrine) Hinds, Rebecca Hinds, Lauren Griffin, and Andrew Griffin; and two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Tyler Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother.A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, April 10, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 - 3rd Ave SW, Rochester with the Reverend Vern Christopherson officiating. Inurnment will be held at Oakwood Cemetery Mausoleum. A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 9 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Friends of Mayowood and other Historic Sites, or Rochester Civic Music Guild. Online condolences may be made at www.ranfranzandvinefh.comRanfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600

Tributes

Barb Arens wrote on Apr 12, 2011:

"Dear Don and family,I was shocked to see that Nina had passed away. I always enjoyed talking to her on the phone when I would call Don when I was working at the Chamber.I am so sorry for your loss but I hope you have many happy memories for your time together."

Kathy Welsh Kilen wrote on Apr 9, 2011:

"Dear Don, Jenny, Ellie, Joan, Jim and Spouses~Our hearts go our to you at the passing of your dear wife, mother and friend. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Dick Welsh, Kathy Welsh Kilen and Patricia Welsh Brown"

Dan andJayne Horst wrote on Apr 7, 2011:

"Jim and Family,Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Our thoughts and prayers for you.Dan and Jayne Horst"

Stensrud Family wrote on Apr 5, 2011:

"On behalf of the Stensrud Family (Joan, Kathy, Steve, Randy, Dan and Teresa)our deepest sympathy for your loss."

Cher wrote on Apr 2, 2011:

"Jenny and family:We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We know this is a difficult time, and we are thinking of you. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your entire family. With deepest sympathy, Cheri Zinser Kramer andKen and Shirley Zinser"

Linda Garrison Schulzetenberg wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"Ellen and Family -I am saddened to learn of the passing of your mom/mother-in-law/grandma. From the first time I met her in 1969 until the last time I saw her (in 2008 when we had a mini 50th b-day party and visited your parents), she was always kind and gracious toward me.With love, Linda Garrison Schulzetenberg"

Jody Herron Hale wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"Jennifer, Carl and family,My heart aches for you at this time. Your Mother was a wonderful gracious woman and will be greatly missed. Hold close the wonderful memories. You will have those in your hearts forever.Love, Jody"

Debbie McDuffie wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"My memories of "Mrs. Sudor" are of her always smiling, in the kitchen cooking, and being genuinely interested in what we (Ellen's friends) were always doing. I also had the opportunity to try on her wedding gown! Remember, Ellen? She always made me feel welcome in your home. She was definitely a very special woman! My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.love,Debbie McDuffie"

Kathy Binger wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"Hello from half of the Edison Elementary 5th grade orchestra, Jennifer being the other half. This sure is sad news. Mrs Sudor was always nice to me, no matter how much I hung around, and she made her house and yard such welcoming places. If good thoughts can help at this time, please know you always have mine. Kathy (Terrell) Binger"

John & Bev Brack wrote on Apr 1, 2011:

"Uncle Don, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. Aunt Nina will be greatly missed.We've had your family picture displayed on our fireplace hearth since receiving it at Christmas and enjoy it very much."

Kristin and Scott Havlick wrote on Mar 31, 2011:

"So sorry to miss this celebration of Nina's life. Our thoughts are with you guys at this difficult time. She was always so sweet and kind."