Obituary of Sue Mary Gordon

Sue Mary Jennings Gordon (1937-2024)

Sue Gordon, of Glastonbury, CT, died peacefully at Middlesex Hospital on Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024. She was 86.

The younger of two sisters, Sue was born in 1937 to Helen and Howard Jennings in Lansing, Michigan. Her childhood was family-oriented, and she often reminisced on her days spent camping with her parents and sister or watching baseball with her grandmother. She attended Eastern High School in Lansing before moving across town to study at Michigan State University in East Lansing. There, she met the love of her life, Robert (“Bob”) Gordon. The two were married on August 29, 1959, and remained happily married for nearly 49 years until his death in 2008.  They had their first child, Randy Gordon, in 1963, followed shortly after by their only daughter Laurie Leahy, in 1966. Her third and final child, Matt Gordon, was born in 1973. Sue relocated to Connecticut with her family in 1981 – while it was difficult to leave their home and extended family, she and Bob built a vibrant life in the Northeast, while still returning to Michigan as much as they could.

A while after moving, Sue would receive the title she was most proud of: grandmother. Above all, Sue loved being the “Grammy” to her twelve grandchildren. She never missed a sporting event, band concert, or graduation ceremony. For more than a decade, she took her family out to dinner every Thursday night, patronizing nearly every restaurant in Glastonbury. She hosted her family every year for Christmas and other holidays, always cherishing the opportunity to spend time with those she loved most. Her grandkids carry countless memories of time spent with her on vacation, whether it was in the Caribbean, Disney World, Camp-of-the-Woods, or the many other places she visited with her family.

Equally as important to Sue was her strong Christian faith and relationship with Jesus. She was a student of the Bible and an avid attendee at church services; she discovered YouTube and was delighted to virtually consume multiple sermons each Sunday. She passed her love of God down to her children and grandchildren, who often received texts consisting of Bible verses and advice to trust God. Her grandkids will specifically remember the book clubs they had with her regarding Psalm 23 and the Ten Commandments.

She spent years working as a speech and language pathologist in the Glastonbury School System, a career path followed by both her daughter and one of her granddaughters. She retired in her 50’s and kept herself very busy with her many interests. She loved to play games, whether it was tennis and golf with her husband, bridge and mahjong with her friends, or the Wordle and Connections with her grandkids. Each week, she would crochet with her church group, attend multiple book clubs and Bible studies, and go out to lunch with her friends.

Sue will be remembered for her generosity and her impact on those around her. She was an integral part of the lives of her family and friends, and she will be deeply missed. Her passing brings to mind 2 Timothy 4: 7-8, which states, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” While we look forward to meeting her again, we hope to honor her memory by living like Jesus and staying close to Him.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Howard Jennings, her sister Sandra Bates, her husband Bob Gordon, and her grandson Mitchell Gordon. She is survived by the three families she created: Randy and Lisa Gordon and their children Missy, Mike, and Mary, Laurie and Kevin Leahy and their children Molly and her husband Brian, Connor and his wife Samantha, Ryan, John and Paul, and Matt and Laura Gordon and their children Sam, Lily, and Hannah, all of whom will miss her very much.

Calling hours for Sue will take place on Tuesday, May 21 at Mulryan Funeral Home from 4-6pm. Her funeral service will be on Wednesday, May 22nd at Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated.