Susan Janet McMahon

Dear Mum,
I've been putting off writing this message as if it somehow makes everything more real and final. No words feel right or adequate. I so wish you weren't taken from us so soon. But you're at peace now. And we take comfort in that.

Thank you for being a wonderful Mum. Dad, Anna and I miss you so much. We have many good memories and this picture represents one of them. Lovely to read the comments on this page that remind how us special you are.

Love you always Mum.
Laura xxx

I first met Sue when we started at Brighton Polytechnic school of librarianship in September 1974. When I started working for WSCC libraries in Bognor library in 1976, I encountered Sue again, she was working at Chichester reference library then. She was one of the pioneers of that new fangled thing - the computer! and spent many a happy hour doing online searches on numerous very technical and specialised topics.
We met up again in the 1990's when Sue and Dave came to live in Worthing and Sue became one of our relief librarian team and then was taken on as a permanent member of staff, mainly working in the reference library with Esme Evans and Jane Dore. She was unflappable and could always be relied on to help her colleagues with those tricky queries. When help points were the new thing, Sue was the liaison between other county council departments and district councils and many a resident was very grateful for her help. Her interest in family and local history made her the person to go to when I got stuck on anything. It was a privilege to work with you and l am so pleased that we were able to reconnect last year.
You battled your illness with bravery and your usual composure. Rest in Peace.

Thanks for helping me when I started work at the library Sue, you were always so kind and happy to share your knowledge. Love from Amy x

I have many happy memories of our childhood family parties, picnics, visits to Hotham Park and walks to Arundel with Susan and later the Boxing Day parties at Auntie Sylv's and Uncle Pete's.

Many happy memories of working together in Worthing Reference Library. Sue knew so much and was so inspirational.

It was a privilege to be at Sue's funeral service yesterday, though no-one would have wanted her life to end at such a young age.
We first met in 1978 when I joined the team of reference librarians at Chichester Library. The team had been Shirley, Trisha and Sue but within a few months Shirley and Trisha had moved on and the team became Roger, Sue and Clare. We worked very happily together for about 4 years before Sue & Dave moved to Wales and Roger went to Nottingham. Sue was immensely capable, reliable and kind, modest about her skills and knowledge and always willing to help her colleagues.
We kept in touch down the decades and in recent years were in regular touch through email and my occasional visits to Worthing. Her love for her family and friends shone through even as her health deteriorated and treatments could no longer help. She kept in touch until the week before her death which must have taken a real effort both physically and emotionally.
Sue was a real jewel - never flashy but quietly impressive and more talented than she would ever admit. It's been a privilege to have known her.

Susan, Neil and myself were sad that you had to leave your lovely family so soon but happy for you that you were able to meet your grandchildren Finlay and Neve and spend many enjoyable times with them. With the help of the whole family the children will never forget and will always have good memories of their special grandma Susan.

Thank you for welcoming us, the Booths into your family.
Rest in peace. x

I had the pleasure of teaching Susan French for a few years. She loved the language, the culture, always mentioning her daughter and family living near Paris.
Susan was a great student, very friendly and with a positive attitude. I was impressed with her courage and her determination of living a normal life even during her treatment. She would still join the lessons. Every Tuesday morning, I think of you Susan.

I first met Sue when she joined our French group and was immediately impressed by her excellent knowledge of the language. She, actually, left the rest of us standing! It was a very friendly group and we had many laughs over the years. Latterly, I have been so impressed by Sues’ honesty about her illness and treatment and her ‘let’s get on with it’ attitude. I am so pleased that Sue joined our group and that I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing her.

Strong memories of a lovely person who was very supportive during my time at Chichester Library.

Remembering Susan fondly at all the family parties and picnics and at Granny and Grandads every Friday afternoon for many years.

To David and family,thinking of you all,love Shirley and grahamx

Thank you Sue for 44 fabulous married years, you will always be in my heart, I have so many good memories, your loving husband.

David
XXX

A long time ago but I enjoyed working with you Sue in Chichester Library. You were such a professional and conscientious an example to us all.

Mum, you will always live on in our hearts and memories. Finlay's first parents evening last night ... I know you would have loved to hear about how he's getting on. I will keep telling you the tales about the children, just like I will tell them all about their wonderful grandma and the best mum Laura and I could have wished for. We love you so much. Xxx

Susan, we have known each other since we started school way back in 1959 and what fond memories I have of our school years. We lost touch after sixth form, but you got in touch through friends reunited 17 years ago and we just picked up our friendship as though we hadn't had a 23 year gap. I will miss our long walks, lunches and very long chats. Since your illness, it has been gentle strolls usually in Highdown Gardens, where we would find a bench and sit followed by tea and cake in the tearooms. I am so privileged to have known you and will treasure our friendship forever. Lovely lady, you are no longer in pain and are now at peace.

Remembering you Auntie Sue, and all the fun times I had playing as a child round your house with my cousins.
You will be greatly missed. Becky xx

In remembrance of a lovely, warm-hearted colleague.

Auntie Sue, you will be so missed by all of us. I have lots of fond early memories of summer days at your house being looked after by you while mum worked; of indoor picnics, trips to the library and to the playground. Your talent for painting and drawing always impressed me and I am glad we have some of your work to remember you by. I hope you’re enjoying a nice cup of tea with Grandma and Grandad xx

In loving memory of a lady who was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Loved working with Sue for so many happy years.

I will miss you so much Sue. We had such a happy childhood with Mum and Dad and Mike, both at Belloc Road and Timberleys. You were so sharp and clever with a thirst for knowledge. You had a keen interest in theatre, literature, art and music. Together with Dave, you travelled the world exploring new destinations and cultures. You are now free of pain and at peace. Sleep well xxx

Remembering my very dear sister, she will be forever in my heart and thoughts recalling our good times as a family and growing up together.
Love always, Mike

Although we did not meet up for a few years, Susan and I spent happy times together in our teens both during and after school. So that when we left we did our obligatory ‘interail/ youth hostel’ holiday. Then Susan went to College, met David and I moved away so we gradually lost touch. But I’m glad to say we met up again prior to her illness and only recently had a really good chat.
What I’ll remember most is Susan’s astounding memory most recently recalling primary school classmates long lost to me!!!
Sleep tight Susan, Mum and Dad just wanted you back.
xxx June & Pebbles

We are very sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. A lovely lady taken too soon. Sending our love and condolences to the whole family. Love Julie (née Mcmahon ) and Matthew Carolan