03

August 2020

Susan Elizabeth Thors

October 11, 1948
-
August 3, 2020
From

Jacksonville

Susan Elizabeth Thors

The Visitation Will be held at:

  • at

The Memorial Will be held at:

The Burial Will be held at:

  • Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home
  • Thursday, August 13, 2020
    at
    1:00 pm
  • 4750 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082
  • (904) 285-1130

Donations Can be made to:

Susan Elizabeth Thors, 71, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 3, 2020. Here are the details of the service to honor her life:

Date: Thursday, August 13, 2020

Time: 12 p.m.

Place: Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home at 4750 Palm Valley Rd.,

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone: (904) 285-1130

Virtual Broadcast:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86466023890

Meeting ID: 864 6602 3890 

Link to Obituary: https://www.pontevedravalley.com/obituaries/susan-elizabeth-thors

________________________________________________________________________

If Mallomars cookies are able to rain down from the sky in heaven, there is a hailstorm of graham crackers and marshmallow treats falling as Susan “Susie” Thors is welcomed into its kingdom. Susie died peacefully in her sleep on Monday, August 3, 2020.

A wife, mother and grandmother, Susie’s greatest joy in life was doting on those she hoped to inspire and comfort in life. There was no greater listener, and untold years of her life were spent celebrating and offering advice to those who relied on her wisdom to help them through the day.

Susie is survived by her husband Barry of 38 years, her sister Marilyn (John) Alberti, her sons Robert (Shari) Noonan, Brian (Grace) Noonan, Brandon (Katrina) Thors, Geoff (Pam) Thors, Tyler (Priscilla) Thors. She is also survived by grandchildren Nick, Lucas, Ava, Spencer, Max, Jackson, and Connor, as well as niece Caryn Alberti and nephews Richard (Susan) Alberti and Peter (Sandra) Alberti. She also leaves behind two dear friends of more than 60 years, Pam Loescher and Kathy Materazzi.

Susie’s life will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on August 13, 2020, inside the Ponte Vedra Funeral Home chapel, located at 4750 Palm Valley Rd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. Plans are in the works for a virtual viewing option to watch the memorial service. Instructions will be sent out the morning of the service explaining how to tune in for those who cannot attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, Susie had a soft spot in her heart for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and would be honored to have any donations made to the organization in her memory.

Born to Henry and Elizabeth Droge in Jamaica, N.Y., on Oct. 11, 1948, Susie spent her childhood in Manhasset, N.Y. While growing up nurtured by her parents and loving sister, Susie learned to keep a tight circle of loved ones who she cherished until her final breath.

Susie was easily puzzled by and resisted technology until she finally learned how to download an app that family members suggested she would enjoy. At that point she became a world-class Netflix binger and Hulu watcher everyone went to for advice on the latest and greatest new show airing on the platforms. She was also a dedicated patriot with a deep love for her country and enjoyed studying its history in books and documentaries.

A lover of movies, Susie got thrills watching intense dramas like “24,” “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” but also enjoyed comedies that made her laugh. Whether it was watching “What About Bob?” or “My Blue Heaven” for the thirtieth time, she waited for the punch lines and silly moments that often became catchphrases at the dinner table or during conversations on the phone. “Remember, green-side up …”

Susie’s laugh was legendary, and the way it lifted everyone’s spirits, could best be defined as her superpower. Each eruption would fill the room, and the joy her laugh radiated will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her. It was the sound of love and joy and happiness from the depths of her soul.

Though she loved to celebrate occasions and milestones at classy restaurants like The Capital Grill, Susie was just as content getting a cheeseburger and milkshake at Burger King. She took advantage of Burger King’s slogan, “Have it your way,” when she looked the teenage cashiers in the eye while asking, “Can you please put my fries down a second time because I like them extra, extra crispy?”

Susie could also be aptly named the Cruise Queen, as she was always planning her next excursion with family and friends. This hobby, and her love of traveling with her beloved husband, was displayed (a clever gift, courtesy of son Brandon) on their license plate frame declaring, “My other car is a cruise ship.”

A marvelous host and planner of get togethers and family gatherings, Susie was famous for the thousands of sparkles, confetti and seasonal ornaments for every occasion, from birthdays to anniversaries, and the biggest of them all: Christmas. Even in Florida, she transformed her home into a winter wonderland for every child and grandchild to feel the spirit of Christmas on every surface and in every corner of her home.

Most recently, she organized a wedding for her youngest son that will forever remain one of the great parties of all time to everyone in attendance.

Susie was a stickler for arriving on time. She was never 30 seconds late to any appointment or get together, unless of course, there had to be a pit stop at Daily’s to refill her 42-ounce cup of Caffeine Free Diet Coke.

Susie liked what she liked, and if you didn’t like the same, well, that was tough luck for you. Susie would let you know that fact, including her famous, “Okay, it’s time to go” announcement when she was ready to get home to watch Jeopardy or finish the latest series’ episode she was binge-watching.

She made strangers feel special, and her smile and spirit made them love her. From her daily chats with Smitty at Daily’s to waitresses who looked forward to her sense of humor and curiosity about their lives, Susie made everyone feel special.

Finally, Susie’s life has been honored across the world as her Burmese daughter-in-law’s family has been holding vigils all week to honor her legacy, love and kindness toward the people who came to love her from afar.