Susan H. Nigohosian

65, of Cranston, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 10, 2018 at the Cedar Crest Nursing Home in Cranston, RI.  She was born in Providence, RI, and the daughter of Helen (Laptik) Nigohosian and the the late Harry Nigohosian. Susan lived for many years in Racine, Wisconsin.

Susan was the beloved wife of Craig Weston. They were married almost 24 years.

Besides her mother and husband, she is survived by her loving brother Robert Nigohosian of North Providence and his two sons, nephews Randall of Denver, Colorado and Philip of Park City, Utah.

Susan also has many loving brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law from New Zealand, Australia and Peru; Grant & Carol Weston, Murray & Liliana Weston, Diane (d.) & Tom Veevers and Lynette Weston & Steve Kallahar. Susan loved and treasured her nephew Paul and nieces Erin, Nikki, Josie, Emma, Laura and Sofia. Susan was pre-deceased by her father-in-law John Weston, mother-in-law Patricia Larsen and stepfather-in-law Ronald Larsen who all loved her very much.

Education was the passion of Susan’s life. She graduated from Rhode Island College in 1975 with a Bachelors degree in education and later a Masters degree from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. During her career she was recognized with many educational certificates and awards.

Susan was a great educator focused on special education and worked diligently for the welfare of her students in the Racine Unified School District, Wisconsin for 35 years. She was dedicated to continuing education and learning. During many summers Susan consulted at the Wisconsin Geographic Alliance teacher summer camps and one summer worked at the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC. Susan’s nickname was Tsunami-Sue, making waves with geography.

Susan was also a world scholar, receiving a full year scholarship from the Rotary Foundation International to study special education in Newcastle, England. In addition, she received a Fulbright Scholarship to study new education ideas in Japan. Susan also made educational trips to New Zealand, Australia and Germany. Susan presented at many national and international conferences.

Vacation travel for new life experiences was important to Susan with trips to North and South America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Susan also had a passion for cycling and coincidently first met Craig in Scotland where they spent a day cycling together. Susan shared a great Tour de France experience with her mom in Paris. In New Zealand Susan was shaken by her first large earthquake and rather than being frightened she was very excited to be experiencing a new geographic phenomenon.

Susan loved sheep especially their biblical significance. Two favorite times in New Zealand were when she bottle feed lambs and when she stayed on a sheep farm helping with daily chores.

For many years Susan was involved with the Racine Theatre Guild where she volunteered with makeup, costumes, ushering and ticket sales. She also tried acting with some smaller roles and a lead in the The Art of Dining.

Friendships were a critical ingredient in Susan’s life. She shared lifelong friendships with her “Sisters” from high school and enduring friendships from teaching, traveling, church and the Theatre Guild.

In the later part of Susan’s life she was confronted by many medical challenges and immense decisions. To navigate these uncharted waters she relied on a subtle yet incredibly strong faith that was complimented by her enormous courage and strength of character. Susan always appreciated the stimulation, joy and comfort of her visitors. Susan also took inspiration from her favorite summer activity, sitting on the “Baby” beach with her mom, reading a good book then watching the sunset.

Susan had a vibrant and intoxicating smile which would light up any room and an infectious laugh that would fill the room with love.

The family would like to thank staff for the wonderful care and compassion Susan received from: Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI; Tudor Oaks Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Facility, Muskego, WI, who added significant quality to Susan’s life; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Cedar Crest Nursing Home, Cranston, RI; and Beacon Hospice, RI.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Susan’s funeral service and life celebration which will be held at the Providence Presbyterian Church, 500 Hope St., Providence on Saturday, January 5th at 11:00a.m. A time for gathering will begin at 9:30a.m. Anyone planning to attend is encouraged to wear something red, Susan’s favorite color. Burial will be Private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are invited in Susan’s memory to the ministry of the Providence Presbyterian Church, 500 Hope St., Providence, RI 02960.