Susann Gilbert Obituary

Gilbert, Susann Kay Hunter 77 5/8/1933 5/16/2010 Susann was born May 8, 1933, in Salem, to Allyn and Mildred Hunter. She had one sibling, Steven, seven years her junior. Susann spent her childhood growing up in Eastmoreland while excelling as a competitive figure skater. She attended the University of Oregon, then in 1953 married James A. Archer. They had three children, Cammie, Jim and Sally, and cared for many a family dog. While raising her children as a stay-at-home mom, Susann became an accomplished seamstress, artist and spent time teaching exercise and aerobics classes. She also was a member of the Portland Figure Skating Association and worked many years for Mountain Park Racquet Club. After Susann's children had completed school, she divorced and started a new chapter in her life. She moved from Portland, where she raised her children, to Lake Oswego where she met her future husband, John Gilbert, while attending Christ Episcopal Church. She developed a special love for John and her congregation as she became devoted to serving her Lord in many ways. Susann was an active member of the church choir and especially loved playing in the bell choir. In 1993 she married John and enjoyed life while supporting their grandchildren in all their activities. When Susann's father-in-law, Jack Winninger, became sick, Susann and John took Jack under their generous care for several years until his death in 1999. Shortly after Jack's death, Susann's husband John was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and she went back into supporting and caring for him until his death in 2008. For over 10 years Susann's life consisted of being a devoted Christian and taking care of her family without once complaining or feeling sorry for herself. After losing her husband, Susann was diagnosed with liver cancer. Fighting the disease for over a year it became apparent it was a battle she could not win. She made the decision to trade her quality of life for her time of life by stopping her treatments. Her strong faith and support of her family got her through the tough times until she passed May 16, 2010. Susann Gilbert will be remembered in many ways; however, her ability to care for people and support them in a positive way will especially be remembered by those that knew her. Susann is survived by her three children, Cammie Ware, Jim Archer and Sally Archer; and grandchildren, Joseph and Brittany Archer and Hunter Ware, who are all so proud to be known as grandchildren to Susann Gilbert. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in Christ Episcopal Church Parish, 1060 Chandler Road, Lake Oswego, OR 97034. Susann asked that any remembrances be sent to Christ Episcopal Church in Lake Oswego.