Obituary of Susan Lee Thayer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister and friend, Susan Lee Thayer. She departed this life at the age of 59 on May 25, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota. As a gifted artist and a radiant soul, Susan touched the lives of so many through her creativity, kindness, and unshakable spirit. Susan (also known by her nickname “Rene”) lived a life filled with beauty, both in the art she created and the way she treated those around her. In her teen years she was an accomplished, all-state gymnast. She completed college courses in a variety of interests including social studies, medical terminology and biblical studies. She enjoyed creating poetry. She loved crafting in bead work and in quilling. Her work was colorful, expressive, soulful, and deeply human. Her work intrigued, captivated and inspired all who encountered it. Whether creations from her hands or simply in conversations about the projects she envisioned, she had a unique and beautiful way of seeing the world that made others pause and contemplate her visions. Beyond her artistry, Susan was a woman of warmth, wit, and wild imagination. She lived with a sense of wonder, never losing touch with the magic in small moments. She could be stubborn in her opinions but gentle in her treatment of friends, family and animals. She organized social outings for her FRIENDS group. She did several community clean up and beautification projects. She sat by ailing friends’ bedsides and read to them. In her life, she possessed a unique ability to empathize with those in pain, a trait that occasionally brought her profound sorrow. Yet, this capacity for empathy did not diminish her ability to find true joy and express genuine laughter in the moments of happiness life offered her. Those who knew Susan will remember her not only for her talent, but for her courage, her compassion, and her unwavering belief in the goodness of others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, and a community of family, friends, and fellow artists who are forever better for having known her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. A celebration and reflection of her life will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 1:30pm, at Anderson Funeral Home, 1401 Arcade Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55106. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Susan’s memory to NAMI Minnesota (https://namimn.org/) and/or sponsor a tree planting.