Susan Giese

Giese, Susan L. MADISON - Susan L. Giese, age 52, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2008, after a valiant struggle against cancer, during which Susan inspired us with her strength and determination and taught us this: We all take our lives for granted to a certain extent. We all feel we have time on our side. Then you get the terrible news that you have cancer. You no longer have certainty or time. Nothing can be put off to another time; you have to come up with a plan. Susans plan was this: Take on one thing at a time, live in that moment, give it what energy you can, and then move on to the next. Dont waste time on what could have been done, dont waste energy on regret. Save that energy and time for the next challenge. Make time to do the things you enjoy, even if it hurts. Never give up. With this plan Sue found great strength. She amazed us all with her ability to work, go to treatment, come home and cook, weed her garden, paint colorful flower pots, and do this day after day for years - and never flag in her determination, even as her resources diminished. She appreciated gestures that showed you cared but had zero tolerance for anyone who hovered or fussed over her. She didnt approve of it in life and would not approve of it now. Susans legacy is this: There is no big problem you need to worry about, just take the next step, and the next step, and the next step after that. And soon you find you traveled a long way and nothing has stopped you. And you got a lot out of the walk. Susan always had a positive attitude. She was a thoughtful and giving person. She never complained about her condition, and she handled things with a good sense of humor. Susan is survived by her father, Gene Giese; brothers, Scott (Bev Kemp) and Randy; sister, Julie (John) Anderson; and "adopted" sister, Mary Dykstra (Tom Saler). A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Thursday, May 8, 2008, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sue was employed by the Statesider for the past three years: The family wishes to thank Sue Wilkerson, her manager, for her kindness and support; the family also thanks the dedicated staff at Dean Hematology/Oncology Clinic for their personal concern, which went above and beyond their duties. The family thanks the hospice staff for treating Susan with great kindness and respect. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.