Susan Elizabeth Plume Fischer

Susan was born to James Davis Jr. and Jeanette (Jo) Davis. She passed away peacefully at her Fort Collins home in the early morning hours of February 8, 2022, just shy of her 53rd birthday, following a year-long battle with cancer. Susan is survived by her husband, Ken Fischer; her children, Allison Gillgannon and Avery Fischer; her father, James Davis Jr.; her brother, James Davis III and sister-in-law Michelle Davis; her nephews Griffin and Wyatt Davis; her step-children Shannon McFadden (Andrew) and Connor Fischer; her step-grandchildren Max, Mizumi, James and Sean; and many extended family members and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Jo Davis; all four of her grandparents; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Susan grew up in southeastern Wyoming, living in Laramie, Huntley and Yoder as a child, and spending many summers at her grandparent's farm in Hawk Springs. The daughter of a kindergarten teacher and a school principal, Susan excelled in school from a young age. She did a bit of everything, including student council, advanced classes, volleyball, basketball, track and field and cheerleading for South East High School. Upon graduation in 1986 she was honored as her class salutatorian. She participated in 4H where she was a talented seamstress, earning many awards for her dressmaking skills.

Susan attended the University of Wyoming, where she continued to excel academically earning her Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology. Shortly after finishing school, Susan joined STRIDE Learning Center in Cheyenne launching her career in pediatric speech therapy. During her years at STRIDE Learning Center, she found her passion for working with children. It soon became clear how naturally gifted Susan was in her ability to connect with children and families. As her career progressed her focus shifted to working with children with hearing loss. Her gift continued to grow, and she became not only a teacher but a mentor for professionals, an advocate for families and a leader in her field. Susan innately understood children and dedicated her career to improving the standard of care for infants and children with hearing loss in the state of Wyoming. Through her work in preschool classrooms, in families' homes, at the Department of Education's Deaf & Heard of Hearing Outreach, at The Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EDHI) Program, and at Wyoming Family for Hands & Voices / READ Plus Program, she directly impacted the lives of thousands of children and families throughout Wyoming and Colorado. Susan formed lifelong friendships with many of her colleagues and families over the course of her 27 years in the field. Her work was her calling, it was her passion, it was what she was born to do, and this translated into a genuine and authentic desire to see children and their parents thrive. Those who have worked with Susan closely describe the "Susan Effect," which illustrates the incredible impact she made on families' lives time and time again. She just had a way a making people feel cared for and respected while simultaneously guiding them and empowering them! She embodied 1 Corinthians 16:14 "let all that you do be done in love".

Susan leaves behind the culmination of her life's work, the READ Plus Program, which provides free books, education, and video meetings to empower parents with strategies to support their child's speech and language development through Wyoming Families for Hands & Voices. Susan's READ plus program will live on through the Wyoming Early Intervention Initiative (WEII). Her colleagues' goal is to continue Susan's incredible practices by permanently implementing them state-wide and ensuring that high-quality early intervention services are provided to children. Please see the bottom of the page for donation information.

In 1996, Susan married Dan Gillgannon of Cheyenne and they welcomed Allison Gillgannon in October 1997. Later, Susan and Dan divorced amicably and maintained a strong co-parenting relationship. Susan met Ken Fischer of Fort Collins, CO and the pair were married in 2003. Susan embraced Ken's children Connor and Shannon as the two families came together as one. After moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, Ken and Susan welcomed their son, Avery Fischer in 2005. Susan spent her professional life loving and helping other people's children but found no greater joy in life than her own kids. Susan loved being a mom and felt that her children were the pride of her life. Allison and Avery describe Susan as a patient, kind, fun-loving, understanding, forgiving, encouraging, empathetic, and nurturing mom. She supported every niche hobby that her children took interest in, including everything dancing, singing, volleyball, dirt biking, cross country running, and guitar. Ken and Susan enjoyed a beautiful and happy marriage, a shared passion for working with children, a mutual love for their own family, a shared love of Ken's cooking, and the enjoyment of each other's company.

Susan was an incredible wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, step-grandmother, cousin, friend, colleague, neighbor, and person. Her memory will live on forever through the many lives that she touched. Next time you see a bright blue jeep, hear a Bee Gee's song, or read an exceptional children's book, think of Susan and feel her presence in your heart. Remember her beautiful smile, her contagious laughter, and her unending kindness!

In lieu of flowers, Susan's family asks that donations be sent to Wyoming Families for Hands & Voices in her memory. Wyoming Families for Hands & Voices is a non-profit organization that supports families who have children with hearing loss and was very dear to Susan. Susan touched the lives of so many Wyoming families, and her work on the READ Plus Program will continue on through this organization. Donations can be mailed to Wyoming Families for Hands & Voices, PO Box 1033, Mountain View, Wyoming 82939 or through Venmo @Wyoming-HV-06.

A life, so beautiful, deserves a special celebration. You are invited to help us honor the life of Susan Fischer. A life lived with love and laughter! Please come to Windsong Estate Event Center (2901 Saddler Boulevard Fort Collins, CO 80524) on Saturday March 5th at 1:00pm as we celebrate the life she lived. Refreshments will be served.

Prior to her passing Susan expressed concern about her many loved ones gathering in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. We therefore request that guests who are feeling ill please consider not attending the event. If you are unvaccinated please consider wearing a mask.