Susan Kay Duty's Obituary
SUSAN KAY DUTY (GODFREY)
Aged 73
ST. PETERSBURG, FL
December 11th 1947-December 11th 2020
Pre-deceased by her Son, Andrew Swinden, and Nephew, Eifion Wynne.
Survived by her Daughter Nicola Swinden-Duty; her Daughter-in-Law Angela Condon and Grand-Daughter Dakota Condon.
She leaves behind three very loved siblings: Betty Rowbotham (Norman); Helen Wynne and Robert Godfrey (Jennifer). Nieces, Nephews and their partners: Emma (James), Ben (Emma), Lucy (Graeme), Sarah (Geraint)and James. Susan also had a great love for her 4 Grandsons: Sean, Sam, Adam and Brad.
Sue, Susie Q, Susie or just Q.
My Mother was an enigma. She bucked convention at every turn and believed rules were not meant for her. There was no conversation that was too hard or off-limits. People gravitated to her to ask for advice on every topic. She moved and motivated people to start their own business, buy their first home, take that next career step, travel, come out of the closet, marry and divorce. It covered the gamut.
Her career is possibly what she was most proud of in her life. She was one of the first women executives for the 3rd largest housing association in Europe – she helped break a massive glass ceiling for all the businesswomen blazing a trail behind her. She took that experience and built a small real estate empire in Saddleworth (England) and the surrounding areas. “Key Moves” was her greatest source of pride and joy. She loved her staff like they were her own family. Serving the local community to become the number one real estate resource for news and radio gave her the drive and enthusiasm to grow her business beyond what even she had imagined.
She traveled the world; I do not believe there is a Continent left untouched by her presence. She loved anything different… different cultures, food, people, music… She loved Gin and Tonic, Rum Runners and a Packet of “Fags”. She loved animals and has shared parts of her life with goats, geese and a plethora of badly behaved dogs. She loved all misbehaving things and often encouraged me to do exactly that.
She was a lover of technology gadgets, flashy cars, sequined clothing, jewelry and glittery shoes. She also loved nature and was an avid gardener with a love for flowers.
This is where it takes a turn for me… 2012 Sue was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She was given a somewhat short window of survival. She started hitting her bucket list hard with trips and adventures. Time kept passing us by and she continued to thrive and respond to treatments. We had some ups and downs along the way and a few close calls. 8 years later she was still responding to treatments though struggling with some more recent. No matter how crappy she felt, she would put on red lipstick and sparkly shoes. She would want you all to know – the cancer didn’t get her, but the shoes did. Admiring our Christmas lights, she took a misstep and fell. From that point forward everything moved so fast and in the blink of an eye she was gone.
That Feisty British Lady, “Queen of England”, Momma Duty, Breast Cancer Warrior has left us with more stories than dare be told. Which is what she would hope you would do now. Share her stories of crazy entertaining moments – she would expect nothing less.
She will be cremated with no service on the 27th of December. She requested a celebration of life that included much of her favorite music… Queen, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Meatloaf, Motown, ABBA and the one hymn she would like us all to sing is “All things bright and beautiful”.
She will be greatly missed by family and friends all over the world. In recent times she was especially close to the community at Skyway Marina Mall where she has kept a small shop – Paddington Station. Brooke Ross and Brittney French have spent much time with “G-Ma” in recent years and have indulged in every crazy project imaginable with lots of laughter along the way.
Angela and I miss her greatly as does the love of her life - Dexter - The Giant Poodle. She had so many nicknames through the years – we just call her Mum and we will celebrate her life every chance we get.
Condolences can be left here or mailed to 4035 Miramar Way S St Petersburg, FL 33705.
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