Susan Cuddihee
Cuddihee, Susan (nee Overkamp) Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on May 20, 2020 after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Beloved wife of 47 years to Dennis Cuddihee and mother to Mary Catherine (Mike) Kapilla, Emily (Jason) Wagner, and Kevin (Sarah) Cuddihee. Susan had a big personality and zest for life which radiated in her caring nature and empathy for others. She loved a feisty argument and hated sports with the exception of her nieces’ basketball games where she’d been known to yell at a ref or two. She will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren: Claire and Grant Kapilla, Avery Wagner, Patrick and James Cuddihee with whom she loved nothing more than to hug or bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies (and let them eat brown sugar from a bowl). She was an exceptional gardener and loved all flowers, especially purple ones. She was a gifted seamstress and quilter. She always enjoyed designing a handmade quilt for every new baby in her life. Caring for people was her lifelong mission. She started her career as a special education teacher and eventually found a calling as a hospital and hospice chaplain where she touched the lives of many through her spirit, faith, and dedication. She was the former Lay Director of the St. Louis Cursillo movement.
She was the daughter of the late Vincent Dennis, Helen and Oliver Overkamp and sister to Robert (Sue) Overkamp, the late David (Wendy) Overkamp, Christine (Ron) Fleschute, Angela Kinworthy, Eileen (Alan) Kemple, Maureen (Ron) Quinn, Annette (Rob) Borghardt, Patricia (Terry) Carrender and Henry (Kendall) Overkamp. Dear sister-in-law of Kathy (Larry) Hernandez and Patricia (and the late Bob) Schmitt.
Many others were blessed beyond words to call her godmother, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, chaplain, caretaker, and beloved friend. A special thanks to the Meramec Bluffs Nursing Home for their wonderful care over the last four years. Celebration of life to be held later this year when circumstances allow. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to St. Martha’s Hall PO Box 953745 St. Louis, MO 63195.
Susan was the finest Godmother a person could ask for. She lived the most loving, joyful, and Christian life I have ever known. I know that the last few years were a struggle, but I am certain that she has been welcomed into Heaven with cheering and celebration. We love you, Susan. My heart goes out to Denny, Kate, Emily, Kevin and the grandchildren.
Susan was my college roommate and lifelong friend. I remember her strength and courage in all that she did, and I’m thinking today of her beautiful voice—and especially her laugh. I’m holding all of you—Denny, Katie, Emily and Kevin—in my heart. With much love…
Susan was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have known. She occupies a special place in my heart as my godmother but also because of the unique qualities that made her so easy to love. She had a special bond with my dad who she referred to as more than just her uncle and I am forever grateful for her kindness towards my entire family during his final weeks. One of my treasured sewing items is a pin cushion she made and gave out one Sewing Sunday. Every time I pick it up, I see her wide, warm smile.
Denny, Katy, Emily and Kevin, my heart goes out to you right now and I’m keeping you in my prayers.
Susan was a delight and a very caring woman. A special thanks to Denny for showing us what it means to be faithful “in sickness and in health”.
Susan had a very gentle heart and always very kind and loving. I only saw her at family gatherings……..but the one time I remember in particular was her and Denny coming to see our twins when they born. Sweet Susan we all love you!
Dennis,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I never met your beautiful wife Susan but I can see how much love there is in your family in the touching video of her memories. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Denny, Susan was a wonderfully sweet lady. Our prayer is that the years of wonderful memories will bring you comfort.
Denny, So sorry for your loss. I feel your pain. Susan was a very special lady that was always so nice. Cherish all the wonderful memories. She is watching over all of us.
This is a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. I was always impressed by her positivity, faith and patience. She was an incredible matriarch for the Cuddihee family and her legacy continues in the close-knit bonds, joy and laughter of her kids and grandkids. Sending love to all who mourn her loss, with deepest sympathy and heavy hearts.
Dear Dennis and family,
We are so heartbroken for all of you as you grieve for your beloved wife, mom, and grandmother, Susan. We will always remember Susan as a loving, generous, joyful, strong, patient, spiritual, and trusting soul. She had such such a positive and lasting influence upon the lives of so many people. As Christians, we believe that she now soars in freedom with her creator and joyfully dances with the angels. We hope that these thoughts will provide some peace and comfort in your time of deep sorrow.
Deepest sympathy to Denny and the family plus Susan’s siblings and many other relatives and friends! She will be missed by all but we can take comfort in knowing she is at peace.
Love,
Jim and Karen Carpentier
Susan was my entry into hospice as a nurse. She was my favorite chaplain to work with. She had this beautiful loving kind presence with all of our patients and even more for the staff who cared for our patients. I am so grateful to her for that chance I was given to serve God and my patients with her by my side. I still enjoy your family’s wonderful sewing days. You are all a wonderful gift to each other. And thank you to leisha who continues to give such tenderness and understanding to families and residents at meramec bluffs. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Love patti lou and bill rudolph.
I had the privilege of meeting Susan and Dennis at Meramec Bluffs. Susan and my Mom were in the Memory Unit together. I admired and respected Dennis for being such an amazing husband to Susan during the difficult and stressful. Dennis and my Dad, Jack, went through a lot of the same struggles with their wives. Heaven is a better place with Susan being there.
Denny. Bud and I are so sorry for your loss. Susan was a wonderful example of the light of Christ in the world. I remember fondly all the Cursillo weekend s we shared. Our prayers are with you and your famiky.
Love and JOY
Karren abd Bud Tarrillion
Denny, know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this time. Sending hope, peace and comfort with much care. Tina
We are so happy that we were able to get acquainted with Susan and Denny on a group trip. She had a delightful sense of humor and was so much fun. Her and Denny were the perfect pair. We’ll miss her.
Denny,
You and Susan are such an important part of our Cursillo community. We learned so much over the years from the two of you about love and optimism and commitment. Please know that you have been, and will continue to be in our nightly prayers.
DeColores
I thank the Lord for all the many moments and hours that I got to share with Susan.
I want Denny and all Susan’s family and friends to know that I share their loss and they are in my heart and prayers.
I met Susan in the fall of 1993 during our Cursillo Retreat at Kendrick in Shrewsbury. I referred to her, Kathe Berger and I as the three Musketeers. Getting to know her through Cursillo has been a joy. Seeing how God used her special talents was so inspiring. She was so full of love for all who crossed her path.
Denny-my heartfelt sympathies to you and your entire family. As difficult as it is to endure such losses, we know Susan is resting in the arms of Jesus.
Melinda Arvay
Katy,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I remember you lovingly talking about her during the Nerinx girls trip to Mexico. I’m thinking of you & your family.
Take care,
Courtney Chazen
Rest in peace Susan. De Colores.
Denny, I remember your sweet Susan as smiling, interested and encouraging, and with a beautiful laugh. I’m happy that you had so many years together and created a wonderful legacy of family, and of so many good works and examples. Susan knows the beauty of the Lord face to face now. Be comforted knowing that, and carry her joy and peace in your heart.
DeColores
My sympathy to the family.
I met Susan when I made my Cursillo in 1994. The first night I walked in to the conference room not knowing anyone, wanting to leave. Susan was the first person to walk up to me & welcome me which made me feel a little better. I will always remember that night. She & I were also born the same week. I will forever feel a connection with her. My prayers go out to you Denny. God Bless.
We will always carry the memory of Susie in our hearts. We are so sorry and sad at her passing, but so very thankful for her friendship and love through all these decades. As always, our unending love is with her wonderful family. We are sorry for your loss.
Sue was a wonderful woman. Enjoyed many Cursillo events with her. I am sorry for your loss. Peace to you Denny and family.
It was always a pleasure to visit Susan at Meramec Bluffs memory unit. We all miss her, but we know that she is welcomed in heaven with her sweet personality and cute giggle. Dennis, you and Susan obviously loved and trusted each other so much. What a witness you are to us!
Whenever I met Susan, she was so friendly and made me feel like I was special. The “Strife is o’er and the Battle is won.” God rest her dear soul in God’s peace.
We are grateful to Susan for the life she lived and the family she nurtured. May she be accompanied on her new journey by the angels, her ancestors and the communion of saints and may her memory be a blessing.
I will remember Susan for her gentle kindness and compassion. Although I didn’t see my cousin Susan much over the years, I ran into her when she was my Mother-in-Laws Hospice chaplain at Bethesda and when our Mom was at Laclede Grove. She always had a quiet and calming spirit during our time of stress and sorrow. My condolences to your family.
My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved her. She was such an inspiration and a mentor to me in my early days as a hospice nurse. Her kind and gentle approach with me was such a blessing and she gave me the confidence to carry on foe 20 years as a hospice nurse. And all that wrapped in such a tiny package! Rest in peace forever in the arms of our Lord.
Denny, we are so sorry for your loss; but rest assured that the world is a brighter place because of Susan and you.
Denny, what a beautiful tribute to Susan. Faith, family, and marriage on display. My prayers are with you brother!
ybiC,
Matt
Thoughts and prayers for all of you for your loss.
I have so many wonderful and warm childhood memories because of Aunt Susie. Such an infectious laugh, such a kind smile, such a beautiful soul.
All of the love in the world,
Jason, Amy, Ethan and Molly Priddle
Dennis – Thank you for letting me get to know you and Sue when I visited in Meramec Bluffs’ Mississippi Landing. You are and have been an inspiration to me when you showed us what love was by your attentions to Sue. I only knew Sue after she lived there. But the times her ‘real’ self peeked through showed what a committed Christian she was. Thank you for letting us talk together during your visits. My sincere condolences to you and your family.