“The important people in our lives leave imprints. They may stay or go in the physical realm, but they are always there in your heart, because they helped form your heart. There’s no getting over that.”
It is with great sadness I pay tribute to our dear friend and volunteer Sue Turner – Sue leaves us all at Little Haven with an indelible imprint on our hearts.
As a volunteer Sue taught us the value of hard work and commitment. Always first name down on the catering roster – “Don’t worry about shifts I’ll be there from start to finish” – and she was! Sue ruled the sandwich press like no other, days and days on end without complaint at the many cafes Little Haven runs each year. If there was work to be done at the centre; cleaning out cupboards, stock takes, setting up lunches, Christmas decorating… Sue was there doing it. And of course the raffles, one of Di’s most reliable, her help there continued all the way through her illness. Yes, it was a very lucky day when Sue Turner joined our ranks – fitting Little Haven in around her volunteer work in The Renal Unit and The SES. Tireless in her service to others and this community.
As a friend Sue showed us the value of loyalty. If you say you’re going to be there, you’ll be there. Always supportive and despite all she was going through more interested in how you were, than talking about how she was. “I’m Ok thanks, but how’s your mum? ” she’d say. Never demanding your time but always grateful for it, though her friends were numerous she made you feel your friendship was special to her.
It was a terrible day the day we admitted Sue to our care – but her work with Little Haven was not finished.
As a patient Sue reminded us our job was to respect her choices and support her decisions as she sought every option to extend every valuable minute with her friends and family – her beautiful girls, their partners and “the boys”. We watched a loving family and network of friends come together to provide all the love and care Sue needed through her end of life journey. Importantly Sue demonstrated to us the tenacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity as she faced every battle with great strength and courage, taking control of what she could and giving in to what she couldn’t, with grace and dignity.
I was grateful to have the opportunity to spend time with Sue a couple of nights before she died and to thank her on behalf of us all at Little Haven, for everything she had done for us and reflect on the friendships she had made.
Rest in Peace Sue – You will be sadly missed by us all.
I respectfully invite all Little Haven members to attend Sue’s memorial service this Sunday as per family notice. Sue Manton
