Susan Annanette Burns Cole

Susan Annanette Burns Cole passed away Sunday, October 9, 2011 in Scottsdale, AZ, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Phoenix to Annanette and Kent Burns on June 12, 1951, Susan (Susie) was the second of two children and she adored her older brother Michael. She attended St. Francis in Phoenix before moving to Claremont, CA, where she graduated from St. Lucy’s Priory. Susan attended the University of Arizona and became a proud Wildcat, graduating with Honors in Journalism in 1973. There she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Following graduation Susie worked as a reporter, writer, and public relations and advertising professional in Los Angeles, CA. She was also appointed as a Manager for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee (LAOOC). Prior to the LAOOC assignment, while working in public relations for Hilton Hotels Corporation in Beverly Hills, California, Susie met the love of her life, Douglas Cole. They were married in 1984. During their 27-year marriage, the Coles lived throughout the country including Pasadena, CA; Marblehead, MA; Deerfield Beach, FL, and Scottsdale, AZ. Always an active volunteer in the community where she lived, Susie most recently served on the boards of the University of Arizona Alumnae Association, Catholic Community Foundation; Desert Auxiliary Foundation; National Charity League; Xavier College Preparatory School, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. As well as service to her community and the church, Susie’s Catholic faith was central to her life. She was an Eucharistic minister and sat weekly in the sacristy in the service of Adoration at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Susie is survived by her loving husband, Doug, and the two daughters she adored, Megan (23) and Laura (21). Her mother, father and brother preceded her in death. An avid bridge player and movie aficionado known for her love of popcorn and M&Ms, Susie loved her four large dogs. She never met a stranger, as evidenced by her many close friendships across the country. Services for Susie are as follows: Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH), 7655 East Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, Friday, Oct. 14th – Visitation 6 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. At OLPH, Saturday, Oct. 15th Funeral, 10 a.m. with Burial following at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery; Reception at Noon at OLPH. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Susie Burns Cole Memorial Scholarship Fund at Xavier College Preparatory Foundation, Inc. (4710 North 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85012). Post Scripts by Posey and Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home will be handling all arrangements.