That's My Cousin!

Sue visits Napa - 1988

I always admired my older cousin Sue. She was the same generation as my Mom, but was always someone I loved to hang out and talk with.  She went to college, had a "career" and not just a job, was an outspoken-unabashed feminist, read a book a day, and had a wicked sense of humor.  I really wanted to do and be all of those things too, and loved to hear her opinions and stories.  I can remember her going on and on about the Equal Rights Amendment.  I didn't know anyone else who talked about this stuff!

In this photo Sue had come to Napa to speak to students at our local high schools about Willamette.  I can remember hearing her name in the daily bulletin and saying "That's my cousin!"  I would go see her at lunch, and she'd be all dressed up in her best business suit.  So different from when I saw her camping.  We also would have dinner with her, and I loved to hear about her latest trip to Asia and what books she had read.

I'll always remember the family reunion we had summer of 2003.  We were staying in the WU Lodge, with amazing views of the river.  "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" was coming out while we were on our trip.  Sue had pre-ordered her copy to arrive in Eugene.  She picked up copies for Mindy and I as well, and we spent our days on the river sitting side by side buried in our books. At night we would talk about what we had read, although Sue was so far ahead she would have to be careful not to ruin the story.

 
Cancer claimed another great one. I will always carry a little piece of Sue with me in my love of books and learning, feminism and terrible jokes.  I know she is curled up with a good novel, Hank at her feet.  

Mischief Managed Sue.

Seana Wagner

Cousin