Obituaries

November 26, 1944 – November 15, 2024

Susan Lakin, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, just days shy of her 80th birthday, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born on November 26, 1944, to Jane (née Clegg) and Owen Nelson, Susan Jane Nelson grew up in a home filled with love and creativity. She was a devoted sister to Mark Nelson and Sidne Bakker, both of whom survive her. She was a member of the very first four-year class of Kaneland High School (class of 1962) and graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1966 with a degree in education. At NIU she was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority.

Susan dedicated more than two decades of her life to teaching kindergarten, first in St. Charles and then in Naperville, after a long hiatus raising her children. She shared her boundless love and compassion with countless “little people,” as she affectionately called her students. Her impact on young lives was immeasurable, leaving a legacy of kindness and learning.

After retiring early from teaching, Susan channeled her artistic talents into a new venture, founding Sisters Interiors alongside her sister Sidne. Together, they created beautiful, hand-crafted sewing projects, sharing their love of design and craftsmanship with the community. Many homes in the Fox Valley are still adorned with their homemade curtains, valances, throw pillows and bedspreads. She constantly received compliments on her clothing, which she expertly crafted herself from sewing patterns.

Susan’s true passion was gardening, transforming her family’s home in St. Charles into a breathtaking sanctuary of blooms and greenery. She also had a lifelong love of music, playing the piano with grace, and a deep appreciation for storytelling, particularly when reading to children.

Above all, Susan cherished her family. She is survived by her three children, Todd Lakin (Twania Brewster), Ryan Lakin (Kristin Lakin), and Margaret “Midge” Hampton (Jonathon Hampton); and her grandchildren, Ethan, Owen, Meredith, Natalie, Titus, Beckett and Ainsley, who brought her endless pride and joy.

Susan’s life was a testament to love, creativity, and resilience. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held for family and friends. Since Susan absolutely loved flowers, we encourage you to plant flowers in the spring, and she would love to be surrounded by flowers at her service.

Yurs Funeral Home

1771 W State St.

Geneva, IL

Sunday, December 22

1:00-4:00 p.m.

At 3:00, anyone who wishes to share memories of Susan may do so.