In loving memory of

Susette Townsend
July 4, 1967 - May 14, 2021

Susette Marie (Fair) Townsend, of Rochester, was born on July 4, 1967 in Baudette, MN to Leo and Janet (Kezeor) Fair. Sue peacefully earned her angel wings at home, after a long battle with cancer, on Friday, May 14, 2021 surrounded by family at the age of 53.

Susette graduated from Kennedy High School in Bloomington in 1985 and Mankato State University in March of 1989, with degrees in Math and Computer Science. In August of 1989, she married Greg Townsend in Bloomington. She worked for IBM, Lenovo and Analysts International over a 30 plus year career as a software engineer. She enjoyed spending time at her cabin with family and friends, water skiing and golfing.

Sue was also a strong advocate for equal access to sport for children with special needs. In 2005 Sue spearheaded an effort to create an adaptive T-ball league for children 6-12 year olds with special needs. In 2006, with the help of RYBA, the adaptive T-ball league was launched. Sue and husband Greg ran the league through 2009 at which time it was handed over to the city of Rochester and was transformed into the Miracle League.

Sue is survived by her husband, Greg of Rochester; daughter, Megan (fiancé, Jake Johnson) of Inver Grove Heights, MN and son, Adam Townsend of Rochester; two grandsons, Jake and Nolan; parents, Leo and Janet Fair of Bloomington, MN and three sisters, Lisa (Brett) Karnowski of Coon Rapids, MN, Ann (Nate) Bibus of Cottage Grove, MN and Amy (Brian) Mathews of Lakeville, MN. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Wally and Helen Fair and Clem and Irene Kezeor.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in Rochester. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The service will be live streamed on Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes Facebook page at the time of the service, https://www.facebook.com/Ranfranzandvine/

Memorials can be directed to www.thrivethroughmovement.org to donate directly to the Phoenix Yoga program.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Townsend family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Tracy Hawkins Stoddard wrote on May 27, 2021:

"My condolences to the Townsend family. I recently learned of Sue's passing. I had the privilege of meeting Sue and working with her for some time at Lenovo. She was was always cheerful with a bright smile. I pray for comfort and strength for your family."

Casie Nauman wrote on May 21, 2021:

"We?re so sorry for your loss, Greg. Our time spent co-teaching your classes with you has taught us that family is extremely important to you and that your love and commitment throughout your wife?s illness was unwavering. We can only assume that your positivity allowed Sue to push through days that would have otherwise been more difficult to face. We are hopeful that you can find comfort in knowing that Sue is no longer in pain, and that your final days and memories with her can never be taken away from you. Sending you strength and patience ? Your favorite Mayo counselors"

Dave Amundson wrote on May 20, 2021:

"I worked with Sue for many years. I remember Sue's talent; but more than that, I remember what a wonderful person she was. We offer words of sympathy and comfort. I not only believe in prayer, I know that prayer helps, especially in times like these. My prayers are for Sue's family. God must have needed Sue's help in heaven. I will miss her. "

Mark Bauman wrote on May 17, 2021:

"I am so sad and shocked to hear that Sue has died. She was a dynamic, wonderful person who knew how to have fun with life, work and family, No matter what life threw at her. I especially remember the time she rode into a technical conference business meeting on her motorcycle: right into the meeting room! And then proceeded to dynamically present a complicated and controversial software enhancement. It was the highlight of the conference! That memory reflects not only her fun attitude but also her deep involvement in software technology for customers. May you enjoy heaven Sue, with your new wings! I will miss you. Mark Bauman"

Brian Boser wrote on May 17, 2021:

"Sending prayers to the entire family. She was such a great person to work with and always had such a great attitude. Besides working with Sue, we did community events like preparing meals at the Ronald McDonald house. I still remember Sue and Adam stopping at Linconshire park when our IBM team did a park cleanup day. Always found a way to brighten Adams day along with brightening everyone's day around her."

Jerry and Leann Bibus wrote on May 17, 2021:

"Our heartfelt sympathy to you all with the loss of Sue. Always enjoyed her sense of humor and seeing her at family gathering. Thinking of you. Jerry and Leann Bibus"

Susan Crowell wrote on May 17, 2021:

"I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Sue was a mentor to me when I started at IBM in 1999 and she had an irrepressible spirit that I remember to this day. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. "

Kathy Leschinsky wrote on May 17, 2021:

"Janet and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Letting you know we are thinking of you and sending a prayer so that your suffering will be lightened. Kathy Skorniak Leschinsky "

Elaine Stachowski wrote on May 17, 2021:

"Our sincere condolances to Greg and his family and to Sue's parents Janet and Leo and to Sue's sisters and there families. We pray that all the good times you had with all the family will make for good memories. The couple times we were at their beautiful lake home Sue and Greg were very welcoming. May god give you peace at this time and keep you all in his care. Jim and Elaine"

Tracy Schramm wrote on May 17, 2021:

"Greg and family - i?m so sorry to hear of Sue?s passing. She will be missed. I remember meeting her at IBM. She was a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, especially children. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers."

Amanda Buget wrote on May 17, 2021:

"Praying for you Greg! She had a beautiful life. "

Brenda Gaskell wrote on May 17, 2021:

"Wow, Greg, so sorry to see this! Hugs and prayers for you and your family. "