Susan Kilkka

Susan Kilkka’s Eternal Life Celebration

Susan Marie Kilkka passed away at home on Friday, October 24, 2014 after a lengthy battle against Alzheimer’s disease.  She was surrounded by eight loving friends and family members as she took her final breaths.  Lots of tears, but down deep lots of rejoicing for her as she claimed her eternal reward with The Lord through her belief in Jesus Christ.  She’s looking down at us now and talking up a storm again.

She was born on June 28, 1948 to Donald and Lily Boyd in Cleveland, Ohio.  Sue and her brother Bruce had to endure the tragic death of her father in a car accident during their teenage years, but delighted that their mother found a wonderful man, Evan Bender, to marry a few years later.  Both have since passed away, but loving memories of them live on with us.

Sue was loving and fiercely loyal to her family and friends.  She had a deep and obvious love for her husband of sixteen years, Al, who retired in 2008 and was blessed with the opportunity to support her at home during her illness.  Her son, Jim Richardson, lives in Chicago, Illinois, and her daughter, Holly Khushal is married to Paresh Khushal and lives in Dubai.  They have the two grandchildren, Jolie (3) and Jai (1).  Stepdaughter, Lena Kilkka Mann (husband Thomas Mann) lives in Berlin.  Stepson, Alex Kilkka lives wherever in the world he wants to, his job and possessions consolidated in his backpack and one suitcase.  Brother, Bruce Boyd lives in Davis, California, and just retired after an extensive career in computer software/support. 

Her good friends – and you know who you are – always remained precious to her.  As you have said, you will always remember her for her outgoing and energetic personality, which at times could just wear you out.  That’s our Sue.  And a special thanks to Anthony and Jenilee Catri, who have lived with Al and Sue for 2+ years, and loved her as a real family member.  Plus the unbelievable love of a beautiful woman, Dawn Gaines, her seven day a week caregiver for the last 17 months.  Dawn and her girls, Zheaan and Mikyla, gave such unconditional love that could only be inspired by God, and truly became our extended family, who we will never lose.  God bless you.  And God bless the wonderful people at Hospice!

Sue graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio in 1971 and was employed as a sales representative for an office supply company in Chicago.  She was transferred to California in the mid-1970s, before coming to Charlotte in the late 1980s.  As the children grew up, she took part-time work as a teacher and insurance customer support representative.  Her passions included small group bible studies, her church home group, working in the yard (including cutting the lawn and planting shrubs), and redecorating/remodeling her home.  She also loved to travel, exploring new parts of the U.S. and taking fifteen overseas trips with Al, to places including New Zealand, Hawaii, and much of Europe.

Sue loved Jesus and openly expressed this.  Her sole wish would be that everyone would have eternal life through their personal belief in Him as He promised.  She is watching and waiting for us now.  She attended church every Sunday without fail and often talked afterward about Pastor Andrew Smith’s (church home The Gathering) messages and how they touched her.  Please join us for a special celebration of her eternal life:

          Sunday, November 9

          1 – 5 pm Drop By – Casual, Good Food

          No gifts please – give to your church

          The Kilkka Residence

          4226 Shepherdleas Lane

          Charlotte, NC 28277

          704-804-2901