Susan Elizabeth Garben, affectionately known as "Mama Sue," passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on July 29, 2024, at the age of 70, surrounded by her family. Born on August 17, 1953, in Cambridge, England, Sue was the second of five children of Gerald L. Peter and Mary F. Peter. Growing up in an Air Force family, Sue had the unique opportunity to live in various places around the world, forming cherished memories in Cambridge, England; Spokane, Washington; Orlando, Florida; Phalsbourg, France; Fairfield, California; Taylor, Missouri; Quincy, Illinois; and eventually returning to Fairfield with her family. 

Sue was truly a ray of sunshine, known for her sharp wit, infectious humor, and overall hilarious nature. Her warm, down-to-earth personality earned her the affectionate nickname "Mama Sue" from her children's friends, a reflection of her nurturing spirit and welcoming heart. Sue was incredibly engaging, a great listener, and was known to always offer excellent advice. 

In her twenties, Sue's vibrant energy led her to work as a recreation leader for the City of Fairfield, and at Lucky Supermarket. Once her children were out of diapers, she channeled her boundless energy into starting her own fitness business, Aerobic Action. For the past 17 years, she dedicated herself to property management. 

However, Sue’s most cherished roles were as a devoted wife to Art, a loving mother to her three children, Jason, Kerry, and Greg, and the world's best Grandma to her grandchildren, Ava and Baron. 

The Garben family home in Green Valley, where she lived since 1983, was a place of laughter, love, and countless joyful memories. Sue and Art always had a home improvement project under construction or being planned, and she had a particular passion for interior design. At the age of 50, she earned her degree in Design. 

An animal lover at heart, Sue’s household over the years included many beloved dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and even llamas. Her constant companion in recent years was Pattycake, her toy Schnauzer, who rarely left her side. 

Sue and Art shared a love for global travel, embarking on numerous adventures and countless cruises together, creating a lifetime of experiences. In recent years, she especially enjoyed RV camping with family and friends, exploring the North American continent, including trips to Alaska and Canada.  

Family was incredibly important to Sue, and she loved to visit her aunts and cousins in Illinois and Missouri, keeping strong ties with her extended family. Weekly get-togethers over coffee and lunch with family and friends were among her favorite pastimes, where her presence always brightened the room. 

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Mary Peter. She is survived by her beloved husband of fifty years, Art Garben; her children, Jason Garben (and daughter-in-law Paige Garben), Kerry Garben, and Greg Garben; and her treasured grandchildren, Ava and Baron Garben. 

Services will be held Friday, August 16th, 2pm at Rockville Cemetery to honor Sue’s remarkable life. 

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of laughter, warmth, and joy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.