SUSAN PICKENS CONGDON

passed away peacefully on October 14th, at home with her beloved husband, Ed Calva, by her side. She was born in Duluth, Minn., on April 17th, 1946. She was the daughter of the late Barbara Pickens and the late John Congdon.

Susan graduated from Hall High School in Little Rock then began her long career as a legal secretary of 48 years. As a result of all her years working with lawyers, Susan became an expert in debate. You could not win an argument with her.

Susan loved her rescued basset hounds and always had two or three at a time. She felt it was important to give a home to the older dogs who are often overlooked. Lexi, Clyde, and Emma are her current hounds, and they surely will miss her loving attention and sleeping in the bed with her.

She loved antique shopping and beautifully decorating her home with her found treasures. Ed’s job was to move her knick knacks one inch to the right, half an inch to the left, and then back again and again until Susan was convinced it was in the absolute correct spot. This was a job he completed with absolute graciousness.

Susan courageously battled ovarian cancer for two years and was one of the favorite patients at the infusion center at UAMS. The family would especially like to express thanks to Cristin Maczko for her service as Susan’s care helper. Susan got such joy with Cristin’s friendship. They were often seen tooling around in Susan’s Corvette while out eating lunch or shopping.

Susan is survived by her husband, Ed Calva; and her sisters, Madolyn Congdon, Martha Sharp (Terry); and brother, Mark Stanley (Anna); and by numerous nieces, nephews, and their children.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at a later time.