Susan Knust passed away from complications of kidney cancer Thursday, December 3rd. She is survived by her husband, Richard, son Justin, daughter Emily, daughter in law Vanessa and 2 beautiful granddaughters. Susan French was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 30. 1950. She was the youngest of 5 sisters.
Susan was determined to be the first in her family to go to college and wanted to be a nurse. She graduated University of Cincinnati in 1972 with a degree in Nursing. Immediately, she started at the University Hospital, Good Samaritan, in the ICU and ER units. Susan finished her Master’s in Nursing Education at Wright State University in Dayton while working full time. She married Richard in Cincinnati on June 21, 1975. Through several relocations, Susan was the rock of the family, buying and selling homes, community involvement and everything a wife and mother could be. Susan continued her nursing career in trauma care facilities and teaching nursing at the college level. Susan took a break from her career to raise Justin and Emily.
After the kids were in school, Susan decided to return to her passion, nursing, and took a job of school nurse at Emily’s grade school in Orlando, Florida. In 2006, The family moved to North Carolina. Susan still wanted to help the schools. She joined the Henderson County School system with several schools to oversee. In 2014, Susan retired and fully enjoyed her retirement. Life was fulfilling with great friendships and family.
After fighting cancer for 6 years, Susan wanted nothing more than to be at home with family for the last several weeks. Susan passed away at home with dignity and grace.
Arrangements are pending given COVID. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family has established a memorial scholarship fund at Susan’s alma mater, University of Cincinnati. The scholarship will award an incoming School of Nursing freshman full first year tuition and fees. To remember Susan, you can donate to the scholarship by Mail: The University of Cincinnati Foundation, PO Box 19970, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45219-0970 c/o Matt Pierce, Executive Director of Development. Please include “Susan Knust Memorial Scholarship Fund for Nursing Students” in the notes section of the check. You can also donate online at the School of Nursing website at https://nursing.uc.edu/. There is a “give” icon at the top of the page.
Condolence cards may be sent to PO Box 945, Hendersonville, NC. 28793, or www.jacksonfuneralservice.com.