Susan Marie Fussell of Lenexa, KS -- loving wife, mother and long-time devoted preschool teacher who changed lives with the simple power of her gracious goodness – left this world a better place before passing away at the age of 66 on Sunday, Oct. 5 2025.
With a heart full of kindness and a gentle spirit, Susan cherished her husband, two children and two grandchildren. She dedicated her working life to nurturing and educating the children of others, leaving an indelible mark on countless families. Susan (also Sue, Susie, Aunt Susan and Grandma Susan) had a generous heart, a boundless love for her family and her warmth extended to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Susan was born in Lansing, MI, the only child of John and Lois Torpy. She also lived in Southern California, Lincoln Nebraska, Miami and Stuart in Florida, and Overland Park and Lenexa in Kansas. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Susan worked hard throughout her life. She served as an early childhood educator for more than 40 years. Places of employment included First Plymouth Preschool in Lincoln, NE, Abig Child’s Place in Miami, FL and throughout Kansas City and Johnson County, KS at places such as St. Paul’s United Methodist Preschool, St. Joseph Medical Center Child Development Center, Little Owly’s Nest for Knowledge Preschool and Daycare and Village Church Child & Family Development Center. Many parents consistently praised her as loving, giving, and their child’s favorite teacher.
Susan never tooted her own horn or ever asked for thanks for the many kind things she did for others. But whether anyone knew it or not, she went over and above again and again in all aspects of her life. Whether it was making a special gift, baking an apple pie for a family event, wrapping intricately decorated Christmas gifts, caring for a grandchild or designing crafts for the children in her care to take home to their parents, her caring heart shone through.
Her simple acts of kindness were too many to count, and her common human decency was anything but common. A stunning and vibrant strawberry blonde who turned heads wherever she went, Susan was even more impressive on the inside. Smart, funny and endlessly giving, she was naturally shy, but stronger than anyone knew.
Neither complicated nor difficult, Susan loved nothing more than to keep things simple by visiting relatives, cooking a tasty meal or taking a walk in a beautiful park with her husband and dogs Sophie, Coco, Speckie and others. She enjoyed reading, shopping, going out to eat or just watching a favorite show at home. She loved to attend movies at the theater and watch sappy Hallmark and Lifetime movies at home. But more than anything she cared about being a good example and reflection of the perfect love of God, being good, kind, helpful, caring and beautiful both inside and out.
Susan is preceded in death by her father, John, and her mother, Lois; She is survived by her husband, Jim, and their two children, Patrick Fussell and Allison Landes and Allison’s husband, Sam Landes, as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces. She was the proud grandmother to two grandchildren, Brion Landes, 3, and Benjamin Landes, 1.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. followed by memorial services at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Village Church Child & Family Development Center, 9900 Mission Road, Overland Park, KS 66207.