Born March 14^th 1976, to parents Ian and Carol, the perfect baby my mother would lovingly tease me, I was not, apparently! Being my little big sister, Sue was my interpreter, fierce protector and director of entertainment, mainly dress up tea parties and games I mysteriously never won, set in idyllic remote locations from Matetsi in Vic Falls and to the tea estates in the eastern highlands surrounded by wild animals and stunning vistas.

Susie from an early age excelled at all she put her mind too and although we moved around in the early years Sue managed to make her mark wherever we went from Hillcrest to Lomagundi and then Groombridge Junior schools, she was the pride of my parents and teachers alike…. a tough act to follow!

Sue was enrolled at Arundel for her high school education, where once again she rose to the occasion and excelled being appointed Prefect as well as passing her A-Levels with distinction while establishing lifelong friendships.

Rhodes University and a Fine Arts Degree were her next step in her education after completing her degree she went on to earn her Honours in English. I was lucky enough to visit one year where I found my sister thriving, surrounded by love and a wonderful group of friends! One being Warren and they shared many adventures together and were a constant inspiration to one another.

After Rhodes, Sue began her working career as an English teacher at Peterhouse, where she fell in love with inspiring young minds and quickly became a passionate educator!

The UK was her next destination joining, Aldenham High School where Sue was able to pursue her passion for travel and love of photography, from Russia to America, my sister got to see the world with her amazing friends by her side.

Returning briefly to Zimbabwe she pursued her other passion as an amazing artist, from creating dazzling light sculptures to truly amazing mosaics tile designs and installations, that makes my heart happy in the knowledge that her love and creativity will live on, in these works of art.

Teaching English as a foreign language was next when she moved to live in Cyprus a move which resulted in her meeting two beautiful kittens, Fred & Ginger, her companions that followed her wherever she went including back to Zimbabwe and her last sanctuary. 

Finally settling back in the UK at Bedford High School, my sister relished the challenging position, quickly becoming an invaluable member of staff and beloved teacher to all. 

With the pull of Africa always in her blood, she finally returned home to take up her dream job, as Head of English back full circle, at Peterhouse, a place which held fond memories for her!

This final move resulted in her meeting the love her life. The first signs of this love were when I heard, a ‘friend’, Andrew had volunteered to transport Fred & Ginger out to Marondera, and hearing he was allergic to cats, I thought, this man must be serious. 

In the end, my darling sister got all that her heart had desired and worked so hard for. The man of her dreams, the chance to create a beautiful home, back in her beloved Africa close to her family and an English department to make her own.

We were asked recently about her faith and religion, Love was the answer, as her proud adoring brother I can say that my sister practised her faith every day of her life with all she interacted with. 

The other day, I tried to pin a metaphorical medal of honour on Andrew for being there for Sue through it all, in the end, he replied; he had received the ultimate gift….. my beautiful sisters…unconditional love!