Submitted by: Dan Rich

Susan Lee Chamberlain

Feb. 27, 1942 - Feb. 1, 2003

South Bend Tribune 2/3/2003

SOUTH BEND — Susan Lee Chamberlain, 60, of Pear Road, South Bend, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, at 11:30 a.m. in her residence after a courageous 11 month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family when she past. Susan was born on Feb. 27, 1942 in South Bend to Marian (Everman) and Richard (Dick) Bourdon. Her father went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 7, 1982.

Susie was a beloved wife to Darrell D. (Buster) Chamberlain, and his best friend. They were married on Aug. 19, 1961, in South Bend and had 41 wonderful years together. Susan is also survived by her loving mother, Marian I. Bourdon, South Bend; two sons, Michael S. (Teri) Chamberlain and Patrick T. Chamberlain, both of South Bend. Susie is also survived by two grandsons, David and Christopher Chamberlain. She was preceded in death by her father and a grandson, Ryan Chamberlain on June 7, 2000, at the tender age of 3 ½. Susie is also survived by a sister, Ellen L. (Michael) Upp of South Bend; a brother, Richard L. Bourdon of Walkerton, Ind.; two sister-in-laws, Darlene (James) Flatoff and Juanita (James) Brown, both of South bend. Also numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Susan was also preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, John and Gladys Everman and her paternal grandparents, Samual and Madelon Bourdon.

Susie graduated from the former Central High School in South Bend and was a member of the National Honor Society. She also attended the South Bend College of Commerce. She was a member of the First Brethren Church of Ardmore in South Bend and a former Sunday School Teacher for the children. She also enjoyed singing in the choir along with her father. At the time of becoming ill, Susan was employed at Memorial Hospital for 25 years. She worked in the emergency room and truly enjoyed her job. She was loved by all her co-workers, doctors, nurses and all who knew her. She was know for her compassion and caring attitude, her sense of humor, as well as being extremely efficient.

Besides traveling, Susan loved working in her many flower gardens. Living on a small farm with plenty of woods gave her and her grandkids a place to take long walks and enjoy nature.

Susie loved to cook, and always took good care of her family. She loved to shop, and enjoyed going to auctions and yard sales. She always made time to help others, family and friends alike. She was the best daughter and sister a family could have. She also was a loving mother to her daughter-in-law, Teri. Susie and her sister-in-law, Juanita were the best of friends.

Visitation hours will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in the Hanley & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home located at West Ireland Road/Indiana 23, South Bend. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5 in the First Brethren Church of Ardmore located at 23370 Ardmore Trail, South Bend. Friends will be received one hour prior to service time in the church. Officiating the service will be Pastors, Russel Gordon and Ray Aspinall. Burial to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, South Bend. The family request NO flowers and all memorial contributions be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637 or to the First Brethren Church of Ardmore. The HANLEY & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home handled arrangements and services and extend deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Chamberlain Family.