In Memoriam: Suzanne Holmes Hodder

The Institute on the Environment lost a dear friend and supporter when Suzanne "Sue" Hodder passed away on July 5 at age 79.

Sue was born in Kearney, Nebraska to her parents, Ruth and Kenneth Holmes. She graduated from the University of Nebraska and married her college sweetheart, Bill, in 1954.

Sue was also a devoted mother and a highly engaged volunteer with many community, environmental and arts organizations. In recognition of her outstanding volunteer contributions Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich designated a special day in recognition of Sue Hodder in 1989. Sue was also honored with the Junior League of Minneapolis Volunteer of the Year Award, University of Nebraska Alumni Achievement Award, MPLS/St. Paul Magazine's Volunteer Hall of Fame, and JLM's Katherine Phelps Lifetime Achievement Award.

"I just love people," Sue would often say, but if anything, that was an understatement. She greeted every person whom she encountered with great warmth and sincere interest. A friend wrote, "Sue fills a room! She is full of warmth, kindness, and patriotism!!"

On May 25, 2011 Sue hosted an evening event at her home for the Institute on the Environment and members of the community. Forty guests including members of the Minneapolis Junior League, Edina Go Green and others were introduced to IonE Director Jon Foley and heard his presentation "Living on a Shrinking Planet: Challenges and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future."

Following a lively discussion, the night was capped off with the inaugural naming of an Institute on the Environment "Momentum Maker" to Sue for her pioneering work creating the Minnesota Adopt-A-Highway program and Minnesota Beautiful and leading the Minnesota Highway Beautification Commission and Wild Flower Task.

Sue Hodder will be greatly missed by her family, friends and members of the IonE community who had an opportunity to meet her.