Dear Friends of Susan Igou by Susan’s Daughter, Vanessa Empire

Susan Igou

Dear Friends of Susan Igou,

It is with great sadness and heartbreak that I write to inform you that on Friday, September 22, my beautiful mom passed away.

At the onset of her unmistakable symptoms, my Mom started on her journey with unbelievable bravery and courage. We sought the advice of multiple teams of doctors, world renowned as the very best in their specialty… and through multiple surgeries, both invasive and non-invasive, infusions of many kinds, and finally a clinical trial to defeat this horrible disease, my Mom’s will to live was still strong. As the treatments began to compromise her quality of life, she pressed on. Despite hope, prayers and bargaining with God, this horrible disease was relentless, and took my Mom, while in my arms.

I would like to share with you that it was my honor to be with her every day in  her passing.  The peace that she and I found in each other was much like our relationship when I was a little girl.  Her love for me and the peace we made is the best thing that I could have asked for.  I am so grateful for the final months that she and I could share, and was honored that she requested my closeness and presence every day, up to, and including her final moments.  While I am suffering such an unthinkable loss in losing my Mom, I realize this is also a tremendous loss for many of you.

One of her favorite things to hear about was your sewing victories on Caring Bridge. She was so proud of her students; to know you were all gaining the confidence you needed to realize that she taught you what to do. She was so happy to hear that some of you were able to complete your Mother of the Bride dresses without her being there. She loved to hear about Tailored Trousers, and smiled cheek to cheek from what some of you shared. It is your shared love of sewing, and fine beautifully made clothing that you will keep as a piece of her for the rest of your lives. In this unbelievably sad time, I find some peace knowing that she is reunited with her heroes, and some of her most favorite spirits are now with her in boundless energy – without any pain or suffering.I know she was greeted by Giacomo and Aunt Posie.I realize that her beloved Ayla is with her, along with Ria, Klowie and Sebastian. She is soaring with wings, and is now an angel watching over all of us.

A memorial service is planned for Oct. 29th and details will follow.

I ask that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation in her name to the Birds of Prey Foundation of Boulder County.

Vanessa Empire