Susan L. Sturm, age 74, a resident of Winfield, IL, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2021, peacefully at home. She was born October 12, 1946, in San Francisco, CA, to Lowell and Kathleen Webb while Lowell was serving in the military.

Susan grew up in New Lenox, IL, and graduated in the class of 1964 from Lincoln Way High School, where she made lifelong friends. She earned a BS in Education in 1968 and a master's degree of Science Education in 1970, both from Illinois State University. In the summer before college, Susan met Norman Sturm while touring Europe as part of High School Bands and Choirs of America. They were married on August 31, 1968, and were together for 45 years.

Susan worked as a Learning Disabilities Resource Teacher in Addison, IL, District 4 from 1970 to 2005, where she touched the hearts of her students and colleagues . During her tenure at Fullerton School, Susan led the student council, school technology support, brought in children's
book authors and was assistant principal for many years. Susan loved being a teacher and is remembered for always making her professional environment fun and full of laughter.

From 1996 to 2015 Susan served as a special education adjunct instructor and supervised student teachers for Roosevelt University, at both the Chicago and Schaumburg campuses. She was passionate about training the next generation of teachers to meet the needs of children with
learning disabilities and delighted in helping her students find their first teaching jobs.

Since 1984, Susan and Norman were active members of Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton, where she served in many ministries, including Children's Bell Choir, BethlehemMarketplace, Vacation Bible School, and chaired "Special Blend" hospitality.

After retirement, Susan enjoyed traveling the world with her brother Warren, fellow teachers, and high school girlfriends. From learning to cook in Tuscany to snorkeling in St. Kitts and hiking on glaciers in New Zealand, she was passionate about always finding joy in life and sharing it
with those she loved.

With a smile that lit up a room, she approached life with an openness to love and generosity to all. This brought out the best in everyone she interacted with. But by far, her greatest happiness came through her ability to be a daily part of her daughters' and four grandchildrens' lives, and
all were overjoyed with every minute they spent with their Mom and "Nana".

She is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Keith) Westmoreland and Dr. Nichole (Lawrence) LaVanway, both of Wheaton, and her grandchildren, Kelton (17), Charleton (13), Kathleen (6), and Margaret (5 months). She is also survived by her mother, Kathleen Webb, and her brothers
Warren, Harold, and Brian Webb.

We will celebrate Susan's life at a Memorial Service later this summer and request memorial gifts be deferred until that time.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.