Susan Connors

Madison - Susan Reid Connors was born in Madison, Wisconsin and lived in Madison most of her life. She is survived by her spouse, Mary Jane Connors (Haas) and their daughter, Alta Deana Connors. She is predeceased by her parents Drs. Charlotte B. Connors and Dean M. Connors and by her brother, Dale Connors.

Susan had bright red hair and a personality to match. She was vibrant, direct, and funny. She was known for making hilarious, insightful comments in conversations. Susan enjoyed life. She loved dancing, travel, knitting, playing hand and foot canasta, gathering with friends, trying new things, and especially pursuing the culinary arts.

Susan lived her life as a gay rights advocate. She was always upfront about who she was and who she loved. She and Mary Jane were domestic partners for over forty-six years, having wed in 2014 when gay marriage became legal in Wisconsin.

One of the high points of Susan’s life was her journey to China in 1997 to adopt their daughter, Alta. Susan was a dedicated mom and loved encouraging Alta to explore and enjoy life. Every summer, Susan, Mary Jane and Alta enjoyed family time at Camp Moon Beach in Saint Germain, Wisconsin.

Susan was a dedicated caregiver to her mother, Charlotte, whose health deteriorated later in life. Susan was an early advocate for high quality residential facilities serving people with dementia. She loved her grandparents, Harold and Velma Connors, and spent many happy days at their cottage on Island Lake in Vilas County.  Susan also greatly enjoyed visits to her father’s farm in Spring Green.

Susan attended two alternative schools in Madison, City School and Madison Community School, before graduating from West High. She continued her education by attending Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts and graduating from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York in 1979. She later completed an associate degree in culinary arts at MATC.

Susan’s passion for fine food led her to work in various restaurants, bakeries and state facilities. She became an assistant manager at Dane County Consolidated Food Service and worked there for many years. In 2005, Susan retired at the age of 48 because of health concerns. In her retirement, she devoted herself to motherhood, family, and friends.

Susan and Mary Jane were known for their annual Christmas tree trimming party for which Susan created wonderfully delicious deserts. For special family occasions and holidays, she and her father, Dean, would pour through piles of Bon Appetit and Gourmet magazines planning menus. Susan then created the most delectable, elaborate meals always with heavenly desserts.

In addition to her love of dance, Susan participated in the creative arts working with textiles. As an avid knitter, she created shawls for the First Unitarian Society shawl ministry and her family. Susan also loved theater. As part of her family’s forty-year tradition, she took great joy in introducing others to American Players Theatre in Spring Green.

For family and friends, Susan leaves memories of good times and fabulous food. She was loving, funny and enjoyed life.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison on Sunday, September 25 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.  A formal time for remembrance and sharing will begin at 1:00 p.m. Memorials are not necessary, but may be made to Wisconsin Public Radio, the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, the Muscular Dystrophy Association or NAMI of Dane County.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434