Susan Kingston's Obituary
Susan Hackman Kingston, 79, of Germantown, TN, passed away unexpectedly on September 14, 2017 while vacationing in Greece. After cremation, a service celebrating Susan’s life will be held Saturday, October 21 at 11 AM at Germantown Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at the church. She is survived by niece, Sara (Bob) Szambelan of Atlanta, GA; nephew, Tom (Abby) Maness of Albuquerque, NM; niece, Julie (Dennis) Currens of Scottsdale, AZ; nephew, John (Lindsay) Kingston of Cambridge, UK; niece, Katherine (Phil) Wiegand of National Harbor, MD; sister-in-law, Kay Blinzler of Erie, PA; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Kingston of St. Petersburg, FL, along with their families. She is predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend, Douglas Kingston; sister, Mary Anne Hackman Maness; and parents, George and Frieda Hackman. Born May 23, 1938 in Burlington, IA, Susan graduated from Burlington High School in 1956 where she was recognized as Most Outstanding Student. She moved to Chicago where she graduated from The James Ward Thorne School of Nursing of then Passavant Memorial Hospital. A life-long learner, Susan also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University. Susan began her professional career as a staff nurse at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, and she advanced quickly to become the hospital’s first female vice-president. After she and Doug relocated to Memphis, she held positions as Director of the Operating Room at Memphis University Hospital, Associate Director of the Operating Room at University of Tennessee William F. Bowld Hospital, Vice-President at then St. Joseph Hospital, and as Case Management Supervisor at Genex. Susan and Doug traveled extensively throughout their marriage and they shared much joy planning their trips and experiencing world culture and cuisine together. After Doug’s death in 2008, Susan continued their shared support of the arts in Memphis, including Memphis Symphony Orchestra, The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Theater Memphis and Opera Memphis. She was also an active member of the Germantown Women’s Club, the Kimbrough Grove Book Club, enjoyed playing canasta and volunteering, and excelled at crossword puzzles, an activity she and Doug enjoyed during their 35 year marriage. With her background as a passionate nurse and medical professional, Susan provided comfort, guidance and care to friends and family throughout her adult life. At the time of her death, Susan was vacationing in Greece, a place she and Doug had hoped to visit during their years together. While planning the trip with her niece and grandniece, Susan often shared memories of her travels with Doug, and the women looked forward to experiencing the beauty of Greece together. The family has designated The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, where Susan and Doug had been members since 1988, for memorial contributions. Donations may be sent to the attention of the Development Office, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, 4339 Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119 (901)767-8930 “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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