Susan Harwood Bodeen

Susan Harwood Bodeen, age 64, passed away peacefully on April 28th 2025, in Littleton, Colorado, in the care of her children and her loving family. Susan was the youngest child of the late George and Nancy Bodeen. A beloved mother to Nora & Elizabeth Borre, and daughter-in-law Meghan; a devoted sister to her siblings Debbie, Michael, and Julie (predeceased 2020). Susan was also an aunt and great aunt to many, and before her passing had the opportunity to be a grandmother to Elizabeth and Meghan's foster child.

Susan graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983, with a B.A. in Interior Design, and went on to create her own interior design business. In 1985, she married her now ex-husband John Borre, with whom she shared her two children. She was always active in her community, teaching Sunday School at Glencoe Union Church, serving as PTA president at her children's elementary school, an active member of both the Ravinia Women’s Board and the Glencoe Historical Society. Susan was dedicated to her various roles in work, life, community, and family. She was a friend to all–animal, plant, and human alike. People have always been drawn to the company of her infectious smile and laughter.

Susan loved to be active, with her favorite activity from childhood to the end of life being swimming and skiing. Even after Parkinson’s diagnosis, Susie continued to ski and swim with the support and adaptations of Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center. Susan loved road trips, and travelling, and her last vacation was to Oahu, Hawaii where she had the chance to swim under a waterfall with her 3 children.

Susan will be laid to rest at Memorial Park in Skokie, Illinois, next to her older sister Julie. Her celebration of life will be held on July 27th at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022 from 10am-1pm. Please feel free to stop by and celebrate Susan with us.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center and The Parkinson’s Foundation.