Suzanne Bowden

“You showed us how to love and smile”

Sue passed away peacefully in the care of Bentley Manor on 11th June 2022 aged 71 years.

The beloved wife of the late Richard, much loved mum of Sam. Also a cherished nana, sister and friend.

Sue’s funeral took place on Thursday 23rd June at Crewe Crematorium at 10am.

Donations welcome to the M.S. Society.

For further information please visit our website www.josephoconnell.co.uk or telephone 01270 584447.

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Suzanne was born 10th May 1951 to Clive & Daphne Shore. As her father was posted in different parts of the world Sue and her younger sister Andrea attended many different schools in different countries such as Malaya and Germany. She enjoyed art and languages but did well in all subjects.

Her early working life was in the civil service in Southend. Later she worked in Berlin but then came home and got a job in Sandbach.

At this time she met Richard a soldier in the Grenadier Guards, they fell in love and were married in 1979. Soon they were looking forward to the birth of their son Samuel. Unfortunately, shortly after Sam was born Suzanne became ill again. She was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia, an illness with which she battled for the rest of her life.

During the many years that Sue and Richard were married they were devoted to each other. Sue had a wonderful sense of humour and she loved music, especially pop and rock.

Sadly Richard became ill with Hodgkin’s Disease and then developed MS. Sue looked after Richard with NHS help and their love for Sam kept them going. Even though there were some very tough times for them, there was always music and laughter.

Sam has shared his mother’s love of music and plays the keyboard and guitar. He studied Drama and Music at Plymouth University. Sue and Richard were so very proud of his achievements.

Sadly, Richard’s MS progressed and he died in 2005. Suzanne’s mental health deteriorated again and after many stressful months in Leighton, Macclesfield and other care homes she eventually went to live in Bentley Manor. Over several years she came to regard BMCH  and the staff to be her home and family. When asked by her sister whether she was happy there she answered ‘I couldn’t wish for a better place to live’.

So a big Thank You is due to Bentley Manor and all the staff who cared for Suzanne.

Here are a couple of special memories that her younger sister Andrea holds.

Growing up with Suzanne was an adventure. Her wit and daring got them into all kinds of predicaments. On one of her school holidays in Malaya aged 12 she decided she would meet up with friends at the dead of night. Andrea was told to hold the fort and await her return.

So Suzanne climbed down the drain pipe without much difficulty, met up with the friends and had a great time. But on returning home she found her father sitting on the back steps unwinding after a late night band engagement. She had to hide and wait until the coast was clear before shinning back up the drain pipe. This proved a lot more difficult than going down. Andrea was watching and waiting at the top and the girls were in fits of laughter. Eventually Suzanne made it back into the bedroom. No one was any the wiser!

Another rather different memory was of Suzanne’s  kindness and generosity – even as a young girl. Again in Malaya, they were in the market place and a little girl passed by, very poor and loaded down with a great wood pile on her back. Suzanne had just received her pocket money from her father. She rushed across the very busy road and put her 2 dollars into the little girl’s hand.

So two precious memories of a sister who was  impulsive, generous, daring and just a little bit wild.

God bless Suzanne. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.