"Such a loving spirit and wonderful conversationalist! Our deepest sympathies to her closest family and friends - especially as the holidays draw near. With love. Ron, Christina, & Maria Kedzior"
In loving memory of
Sue Ellen Kedzior
April 26, 1954 - October 26, 2022
Sue Ellen Kedzior passed away peacefully on October 26, 2022 in Phoenix Arizona.
Sue was born on April 26, 1954, in Peoria, Illinois, the only daughter in a family of four children. After graduating from Bergan High School in 1972, she attended Illinois Central College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate in Nursing in 1976. Three years later, in 1979, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) at Northern Illinois University. She worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) in varying nursing positions in both Illinois and Arizona for 41 years, prior to retiring in 2018.
With her attention to detail, eye for efficiency, and leadership skills, Sue maintained a varied nursing career where she worked in direct patient care as an RN in adult hospital critical care units and then in management positions as Director of a surgical unit at the Phoenix VA Hospital, assistant director of utilization management and quality control for the AZ division of a National HMO, in quality review for the AZ Medicare peer-review organization, as Director of Business Development for Banner Home Care, and as the RN Coordinator for health care claim appeals for Banner's employee health plan in Phoenix, AZ.
Sue had a strong faith that brought her peace and happiness throughout her life. She was a devout supporter at her church, Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish in Scottsdale, AZ, where she regularly and joyfully volunteered, including performing as Minister of the Word for 38 years, participating as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) team for ten years assisting individuals convert to Catholicism, as well as volunteering in the Adoration Chapel. Her church friendships were among her most meaningful.
Sue made friends easily through her work, church, neighbors, and acquaintances. She fostered each friendship, enjoying her time with friends for a meal or movie, long walks, or exercise classes. She regularly reached out to nourish each friendship, saying that her "friends are also my family."
Sue is survived by three brothers: Francis Scott Kedzior of Sun City, Arizona, Jeffrey Claude Kedzior of Dallas, Texas, and Mark Lindsey Kedzior of Iowa City, Iowa; seven nieces and nephews; thirteen great nieces and nephews, along with many other extended family members, and an endless list of dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Harriett and Casimir Kedzior.
Sue was so thankful for her wonderful physicians, Dr. Sara Stimsonriahi and Dr. Nazish Amad for their expertise, care, and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a tax-deductible donation in honor of Sue to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. https://www.npcf.us
Funeral services will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church in Scottsdale, Arizona with burial at Hansen Desert Mortuary on Bell Road in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Please visit the tributes tab for the livestream link.
Tributes
"I had the pleasure of working with Sue during her last ( and almost my last) assignment with Banner Health. I was the appeals coordinator supporting her role as the appeals nurse. Our paths at Banner hadn't crossed before. Sue and I experienced some challenging days as our positions were changing then eliminated. I stayed and Sue was able to retire. We kept in contact - she would text me in January for the Feast of St. Agnes and let me know that she had prayed for me and for my birthday in July. I kept her abreast of all of the fun and changes at Banner, wished her well for her birthday and holidays and let her know what my sons were up to. She encouraged me as a single mom - prayers are GREAT encouragement. I was able to visit after her diagnosis - she still offered her encouragement - and I offered to help however I could. I am fortunate that our paths crossed. I hate that her plans for retirement were cut so short. Rest well Sue! Agnes"
"The Scherer family remembers Sue and the KEDZIOR family fondly. We shared many escapades in our teen years on Burnside Drive! I had the pleasure of getting to know Sue in our adult years as we lived in Phoenix....we were going to meet on November 18th... Sue, I miss you, but I know you are at peace - we won't forget you! Our prayers are with you and your loved ones. "
"Sue was a beautiful person with a very big heart. I am so blessed to have had her in my life. Her smile filled the room. Sue will be so very missed but i am seeing her with the angels. Sending my deepest sympathies to her family and her family of friends . "