Geissler, Susan Martin

Susan Martin Geissler, 55, devoted wife, mother, teacher and warrior passed away peacefully at her home on May 5th, following a courageous three and a half year battle with brain cancer. Sue was the adored wife of Stephen Geissler, with whom she shared over 25 years of love and laughter. Together they raised three funny, bright and wonderful sons, John, Andrew and Matthew. Being a wife and mother were the roles that meant the most to Sue--her family were everything to her. She created a beautiful home and they filled it with joy and laughter. Sue was an outstanding teacher, a vocation and passion she shared with her sister Deborah Martin Davies. Sue taught for over 25 years--she was creative, giving, caring and loved by her students and fellow educators alike. When she married Stephen, her 5th grade students happily helped her to plan and participate in her wedding, which was officiated by the school principal and was celebrated in the school gymnasium. “Mrs. Geissler” was the Region 10 School District's Teacher of the Year in 2014. Sue was so very loved. She and Debbie lost their parents, Sharon and John Martin, over twenty years ago, and she is reunited with them now. She was a beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and a dear friend to many. Fun and vivacious, with an infectious laugh, Sue was the “cool” aunt to four nephews and three nieces who loved being with her at holidays and on family vacations. Sue lived a large life--she loved music, dancing, exercising, decorating, shopping, sports, and hostessing theme parties and holidays. She loved going to live concerts, and was a devoted fan of Bruce Springsteen. She was a lifelong dancer, participating in, and staging many performances. She was civic-minded, and a fierce advocate for all children including her students who fondly remember her as the best teacher they ever had. She loved to travel, enjoying vacations in the sun, and sailing in the British Virgin Islands. Sue was an avid sports fan, never missing her boy's sports games; and in recent years could be found rooting for the West Virginia Mountaineers and the UCONN Huskies, wearing the team colors and cheering them on from the stands or her living room. On annual Geissler family vacations at Cape Cod, Sue enjoyed time with family, the sun, white wine, and fiercely competing in our made up games. We will always remember Sue on our last vacation in 2020, impacted by her cancer, but joyfully line dancing in the kitchen with her children, nieces and nephew. May she dance in heaven forever. Three and half years ago, Sue was diagnosed with brain cancer. She faced this devastating diagnosis with grace, courage and strength, and helped Stephen and her boys to do so as well. She had Bruce Springsteen's words, “No Surrender,” tattooed on her arm during this time, and she did not surrender. She stopped to take chemo pills at an Ed Sheeran concert and then went right back to dancing. She had to go to her second brain surgery alone due to COVID. Afterward, she had the words “Bad Ass” written on her bandage-although there was never any question. In the fall of 2020, she was honored with a Courage award by the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance and despite the cancer impacting her ability to speak, she recorded an inspirational video to be shared at the virtual event. Sue was beautiful, full of life, and always dressed with style and flair. Her husband called her “Beauty” and she was, inside and out. We are bereft at her loss. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future to commemorate Sue's wonderful and too-short life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sue's name to the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance, PO Box 370514, West Hartford, CT 06137. The family thanks Dr. V and the staff at St. Francis and Yale for their outstanding care and support. Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center of Avon has care of the arrangements. For condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com