Susan Ruth Lee

Susan Ruth Lee, née Nichols, passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2026 in Windsor, Colorado after a life richly lived in service to her family, friends, and the many communities she called home. She will be remembered for her intelligence, adventurous spirit, generosity, and the deep love she had for those closest to her.

Sue was born on December 5, 1934, in Boulder, Colorado, to Frank Edward Nichols and Ruth Jeannette Bartholomew. She was raised in Casper, Wyoming, where she developed the values of perseverance, independence, and curiosity that would guide her throughout her life.

In 1953, Sue married Joseph (Joe) David Lee of Hanna, Wyoming. That same year, Joe graduated from the University of Wyoming, then continued his medical education at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, where their first child was born. While Joe pursued his dream of becoming a physician, Sue devoted herself to raising their young family while working a variety of odd jobs to help support their growing household.

Following Joe's graduation in 1957, the family embarked on a remarkable journey during his approximate twelve years of service as a physician in the United States Navy. Their travels took them to Oakland and San Diego, California; Yokosuka, Japan; and Bethesda, Maryland. Along the way, they welcomed three more children into the family and experienced the opportunities and challenges of military life together. Following Joe's retirement from the Navy in 1970, the family settled in Turlock, California where they raised their family together. Sue and Joe later divorced in 1985.

Although Sue had many pursuits throughout her lifetime, she always said her greatest accomplishment was the raising of her four children. She took immense pride in watching each of them graduate from college, with two going on to obtain Juris Doctorate degrees. Her belief in the importance of education never wavered, and she encouraged her children to pursue knowledge, independence, and lives of purpose.

After her children were grown, Sue demonstrated that same commitment by returning to college herself. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from California State University, Stanislaus, proving that learning is a lifelong pursuit.

Sue possessed an adventuresome and an enduring competitive spirit. She became an American Contract Bridge League Grand Master—an honor achieved by only a small percentage of bridge players—and remained passionate about the game for more than fifty years. Bridge brought her lasting friendships and countless memorable experiences, including teaching the game aboard several cruise ships, where she delighted in sharing her knowledge with others.

Her curiosity extended far beyond the bridge table however as she loved to travel and embrace every opportunity to experience different cultures and places. Her adventures included multiple trips throughout Europe, an African safari, journeys across Asia, Canada, and Mexico as well as extensive travel throughout the United States. She believed the world was meant to be explored, and she never lost her sense of wonder.

Sue remained active in the Episcopal church for many years and generously volunteered her time wherever she lived. She enjoyed performing with the Denair Playhouse in California, volunteering as a guide on a coffee farm in Kona, Hawaii, and later serving at a hospital in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She contributed to many causes and in many other ways throughout her life. Whether through service, learning, or friendship, she sought opportunities to enrich both her own life and the lives of those around her.

In her later years, Sue discovered happiness in life's quieter moments. She cherished the companionship of her beloved dog, Frankie, enjoyed relaxing in her favorite overstuffed chair with a glass of wine, reading a murder mystery, and just loved watching the world—and her neighbors—from the comfort of her front window. Those peaceful afternoons became some of her greatest pleasures.

Sue is survived by her brother, Frank Nichols II; her sister, Deborah Norberg; her four children, Tracy, David, Tom, and Adam, and their families; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four nephews; two nieces; and many dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness and friendship.

Sue's life was not defined by any single accomplishment, but by the countless ways she embraced the opportunities before her—as a mother, a scholar, a world traveler, a gifted Bridge player, a faithful volunteer, and a lifelong learner. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved, the friendships she cherished, and the example she set through a life lived with curiosity, resilience, and grace.

To us, she was simply Mom. She taught us education opens doors, the world is meant to be explored, lifelong friendships are worth cultivating, and that family is life's greatest accomplishment. We will miss her laughter, her wisdom, and the quiet comfort of knowing she was always there. We find peace in believing she has now begun her greatest journey of all. She will be missed and lovingly remembered by all those who knew her.