Obituary for Susan "Sue" Riba (Croxall)
Sue Riba, 69, of South Glastonbury, passed into God’s loving arms October 08, 2018, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Sue was the beloved wife of the late Brian Riba. Sue leaves her siblings Lance Croxall and his wife Marge of Naperville IL, Hal Croxall of Newington CT, Ginger Croxall of Putnam, CT and Craig Croxall of West Hartford, CT.
Sue attended the University of Tampa, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in 1971. Upon graduation she settled in Florida and married the love of her life, Brian. Sue started her artistic career designing needlepoint canvases for the renowned artist Lou Gartner. Then she and Brian opened a gallery in Palm Beach, Florida, which specialized in antiques and sculptures that Sue created from seashells. They eventually settled back in South Glastonbury, where they had an antiques business together, establishing a niche in ephemera.
After Brian passed, Sue went back to school to embark on a new career as a Recreational Therapist. This became a perfect match, melding her artistic talents with her love and compassion for the elderly. She worked at Mapleview Manor and Wadsworth Glen, where she loved the residents, receiving as much joy as she gave.
Sue was an avid gardener and always beautified her environment with plants and flowers. Sue also had an artistic flare with decorating and arts and crafts. A natural interior decorator, Sue could walk into a room and figure out instantaneously what could be done to make it special. Throughout her life, Sue helped out countless friends and strangers in need. She leaves behind a huge network of people that were touched by her many acts of kindness. Always a great listener, Sue enjoyed laughter and conversation with friends and family.
The family would like to thank the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Institute for her world class care. The family would also like to thank the Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice Team for assuring Sue’s final journey was comfortable and dignified.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at 10 am Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury, 949 Main Street, South Glastonbury, CT 06073. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.sheehanhilbornbreen.com for the online guestbook.
Sue attended the University of Tampa, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in 1971. Upon graduation she settled in Florida and married the love of her life, Brian. Sue started her artistic career designing needlepoint canvases for the renowned artist Lou Gartner. Then she and Brian opened a gallery in Palm Beach, Florida, which specialized in antiques and sculptures that Sue created from seashells. They eventually settled back in South Glastonbury, where they had an antiques business together, establishing a niche in ephemera.
After Brian passed, Sue went back to school to embark on a new career as a Recreational Therapist. This became a perfect match, melding her artistic talents with her love and compassion for the elderly. She worked at Mapleview Manor and Wadsworth Glen, where she loved the residents, receiving as much joy as she gave.
Sue was an avid gardener and always beautified her environment with plants and flowers. Sue also had an artistic flare with decorating and arts and crafts. A natural interior decorator, Sue could walk into a room and figure out instantaneously what could be done to make it special. Throughout her life, Sue helped out countless friends and strangers in need. She leaves behind a huge network of people that were touched by her many acts of kindness. Always a great listener, Sue enjoyed laughter and conversation with friends and family.
The family would like to thank the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Institute for her world class care. The family would also like to thank the Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice Team for assuring Sue’s final journey was comfortable and dignified.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at 10 am Saturday, October 27, 2018 at the Congregational Church of South Glastonbury, 949 Main Street, South Glastonbury, CT 06073. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. To share a memory with the family, please visit www.sheehanhilbornbreen.com for the online guestbook.