Suzette "Sue" Allen passed away peacefully on October 13, 2015 surrounded by her family and friends. She had been battling soft tissue sarcoma since December of 2014. Despite the struggle and pain she endured, she remained strong and spirited to the end. Many of those who share memories of Sue have been touched over the years by her dedicated work with children, and her love for engaging with infants and their families. Sue started as a substitute teacher at Children's Center of the Stanford Community in April 1981 when the infant program was housed in Escondido Village. She was promoted to teacher before the program moved to its current location, just across the street on Stanford's campus. When the infant program grew and added another infant classroom, she became the morning teacher, a position she held and served as a dedicated teacher until her passing. Before coming to CCSC, Sue worked for 16 years at the Ravenswood City School District (East Palo Alto) in the child development program. She worked there with preschoolers, extended day care and the infant/toddler program. She did volunteer work with children during high school, and knew since then that she wanted to work with children. She later received an associate's degree in early childhood education. One of the things that fascinated Sue most about working with infants was their reaction to new discoveries. Whether the children were watching rain on a window, taking their first steps, speaking their first words, or observing a bird, Sue loved their sincere and honest expressions. Sue also felt partnering with parents was very important and satisfying. Knowing how hard it was for a parent to leave their infant, it was rewarding for Sue when parents felt comfortable leaving their baby. Family was very important to Sue. She had been married to her husband Jim since 1981. They have a 24 year old son, Kevin, who went through CCSC's program as a young child. One of Kevin's teachers was Sue's sister, Carol Riggs, who is still a teacher at CCSC. Sue's daughter Colleen lives in North Dakota with her husband Layne, and Sue's grandchildren Tanner and Trinity. Sue's Mother Jacqueline lives nearby in San Jose. Her life touched those around her through her gentleness, loving spirit, genuine kindness and her love for children. She will be truly missed by many whose lives she has touched throughout the years. Her husband, children, grandchildren, mother, sister and CCSC friends and children will miss her dearly and will hold her forever in our hearts. Please help to raise funds for Sue's family and to help cover her remaining medical costs in her memory as we celebrate her life and spirit.
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