Susan "Sue" Macalister Bushnell Hinde

Born Feb 2, 1945 in Rochester, NY. ~ Died June 16, 2017 in Spring, TX.

Sue graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, and went on to earn a Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University. She was also a member of the Gamma Delta chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity. But all of this was merely prologue to a life that filled so many others with joy and knowledge.

By vocation, Sue was an educator. But she was more than that; she was a "Teacher" in the broadest, deepest sense. She was beloved in the classroom; for her it wasn't just about guiding her students to learn subjects in school. Teaching did not end when the 3:00 bell rang for dismissal. She taught thousands of children over her 38 years; 27 of those years in the Klein Independent School District. Her classroom mantra was "Learn, Laugh, and Don't Do Stupid." Sue taught at Kaiser Elementary and Greenwood Forest Elementary, retiring in 2005 only after being diagnosed with cancer. Students loved having her as their teacher, and parents pulled strings to get their children into her classroom. Sue adored children and enjoyed doting on her students. Every one of her students became "her kid." Even after their year with her, Sue followed her students' progress through life, worrying about them and finding great personal joy in their successes. A devoted teacher, Sue fought tirelessly for her students' best interests, inspiring them to believe in themselves and push themselves to their highest potential. Her students loved her for it.

Sue's love of her students was matched by her adoration of dogs. Over the years, she rescued eight dogs, taking them from neglect and mistreatment to a life of luxury and love. Knowing she was providing a fantastic second life for these dogs brought Sue great satisfaction. Her dogs loved her for it.

As hard as she worked in the classroom, she put in as much time, effort, and devotion into youth swimming. For years she volunteered as a referee and stroke and turn official for the Northwest Aquatic League and US Swimming. She served on swim team boards as well. She went on to coach the Fountainhead Dolfins swim team for several years, where she taught countless children competitive swimming and cheered them on with hearty encouragement, ring pops, and her signature ear-piercing wolf whistle. Her swimmers loved her for it.

But who she was exceeded the things she did. Her joyous personality enriched her work, and she was vibrant, funny, and always quick with a joke. Sue was eager to laugh, easy with a welcoming smile, and absolutely loved the Christmas season. For leisure, Sue loved watching soap operas, figure skating, women's gymnastics, swim meets, and dancing competitions. She got a kick out of reading tabloids, which she affectionately referred to as "trash sheets," and she could easily read a novel in an afternoon. She loved gathering her family together for reunions and would sit back and enjoy watching everyone "just be together." Less well known was her affinity for technology, as she loved staying up-to-date with the latest gadgets and trends.

Above all, Sue loved her family. She was a loving wife to Steven for 45 years and 8 months. They met in Illinois and journeyed side-by-side through all of life's adventures that followed. Sue delighted in spoiling her children and grandchildren and was our greatest cheerleader in life. But more than that, she taught strong values. Sue fought breast cancer fiercely for 12 years, never giving up, always looking forward to the next life milestone as her goal. And in so doing, she taught all who knew her courage, strength, and resolve. "Not quitting" was never a lecture; she taught this virtue by her example. Sue taught all who knew her the joy of loving others, as she loved her students, swimmers, friends, and dogs. She loved her husband, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. She loved her nephews, nieces, cousins, godchildren, and extended family. She loved them well; they loved her dearly.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Stone Bushnell, Jr and Evelyn Macalister Battey Bushnell, as well as her beloved brother, Charles Stone Bushnell, III.

Sue is survived by her husband of 45 years, H. Steven Hinde, as well as her beloved sister and best friend, Sarah "Sally" Freeman Bushnell Tate, and Sally's husband, Tom. Sue is also survived by her children: Hon. Daniel Earle Hinde and his wife, Rosanna; Melissa Lyn Hinde Cole and her husband, USAF Col. (ret.) Andrew; Andrew John Hinde and his wife, Nicole; as well as her step-children: Todd Steven Tuttle and his wife, Kimberlee; Timothy Scott Tuttle and his wife, Eri; Bradley Nathan Clark and his wife, Tracy; and Stephanie Ellen Voet and her husband, Chris. Her grandchildren called her "Gee Gee" and she delighted in her 14 greatest blessings: David Macalister Hinde (9), Anne Marie Hinde (8), Madilyn Frances Cole (15), Jack Thomas Cole (13), Andrew William Cole (10), Connor Alexander Hinde (2), Maxine Marjorie Tuttle (14), Cassandra Connor Tuttle (14), Trinity Tasha Tuttle (14), Erika Nozomi Tuttle (13), Grace Megumi Tuttle (9), Josephine Lynn Clark (8) Alexandria Jane Clark (6), Melody Ellen Voet (10). Sue relished her special role as Godmother and is survived by her Godson, William Benson Tate, and Goddaughter, Karyn Janene Bushnell Nordstrom. Susan is survived by her best girlfriend of 50 years, Marty Miller Jurkowski, and Marty's husband, Jay, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Sue's name to Poodle Rescue of Houston. https://www.poodlerescueofhouston.org/