Suzanne J Belcher *
Mrs. Suzanne J. Biddle Belcher, 78, of Rochester was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away on August 8, 2014 at her home.
On September 19, 1935, Suzanne Jane Biddle was born in Hammond, the cherished daughter of Chester B. and Edith Cornwell Biddle. Growing up in Remington, Indiana, she shared her childhood with her brother Bill.
A 1953 graduate of Gilboa High School in Remington, Suzanne pursued her life dream of attending Purdue University where she graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Returning to the classroom, Suzanne earned her masters degree in Speech Pathology from Ball State University in 1975.
Suzanne and Richard E. Belcher were married on August 11, 1957, in Remington.
This day marks their 57th anniversary of sharing life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children, Dan, Nancy and Cynthia. Over the years the family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of eight grandchildren.
For a combined 25 years, known by her students as Mrs. Belcher, she served Fulton County Schools then Argos School as their speech pathologist, retiring in 1993. Suzanne was a vibrant member of the Grace United Methodist Church for more than a half century. With the church she served as a member of United Methodist Women and the Blue Apple Group. The U.M.W. bestowed the coveted “Jewel of a Woman” award for her many contributions. She and Dick also traveled with church members on a mission trip to Africa. Her other memberships include the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Tri-Kappa Sorority, the American Audubon Society, and Friends of the Fulton County Parks. She was a life long environmentalist and conservationist. As a member of the Fulton County Library Board of Trustees, Suzanne was instrumental in spearheading the new library that exists today.
A community oriented dynamic team, always looking for ways to improve, making our city a better place to live, Suzanne and Dick were recipients of the 2012 Community Service Award bestowed by the Rochester-Lake Manitou Chamber of Commerce. In 2013, Purdue University President Mitch Daniels presented the President’s Council Pinnacle Award to the Belchers for their philanthropic contributions to their university.
An avid birdwatcher for many years, Suzanne observed over 800 species of birds world wide including Canada, Greenland, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, Galapagos Islands as well as nearly 15 states in the US. She also loved Purdue and attended hundreds of games with Dick and friends. Suzanne enjoyed spending time with friends and family every January at Boca Grande, Florida. She spent 2 weeks every summer at the family cottage at Fountain Park Chautauqua in Remington with lifelong friends. When she wasn’t busy with these activities, she was always driving to Indianapolis or Columbus to spend time with her grandkids.
Left to cherish Suzanne’s memory are her husband, Richard at home; a son, Dr. Daniel Belcher and wife Jenny of Carmel; 2 daughters: Cynthia Maves of Columbus, Ohio, and Nancy Gruesser and husband David of Zionsville; 7 grandchildren: William, Clare, Rachel, Nicole, Erica, Luke and Grace; a brother William Biddle and wife Janet of West Lafayette; a brother-in-law Mick Belcher and wife Karen of Syracuse; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Rev. Maurice Grindle will officiate services. Interment will be in Rochester’s IOOF Cemetery.
Good Family Funeral Home – August 8, 2014