Susan Loranger Capdeville

Susan Loranger Capdeville

After beating many odds, Susan Loranger Capdeville lost her extremely courageous 11-year battle with ovarian cancer on Aug. 14, 2011. She was surrounded by her loving and supportive family in the comfort of her home.

Suzy was born on June 11, 1948, in Glendale, Calif., to Donald E. Loranger Sr. and Margaret (Wilson) Loranger. The family later moved back to Havre where she spent most of her life.

Suzy graduated from Havre High School and later received her teaching degree from Northern Montana College. While later going through chemotherapy, a determined Suzy received her master's degree in Science Education in 2006. She initially put her teaching degree on hold after marrying Brian Morse in 1968 so she could raise their three children.

After doing lots of volunteering for her children, Suzy embarked on a new journey by returning to teaching. Suzy earned many accolades throughout her career, including Montana Environmental Education Teacher of the Year, Hill County Conservation Teacher of the Year, Who's Who Among American Educators, as well as several more. Suzy's love for science and nature sparked her to write a grant that enabled the small town of Havre to host Montana's first Water Festival where students were able to take part in several water/nature experiments and demonstrations. She had a mini rainforest in her classroom that many students still mention today. Suzy also piloted a unique program called "Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs" in which the public school district adopted for all third-grade students.

Suzy loved to volunteer as well as entertain and not many could outdo her. She was active in the NMC Ball, Mending In The Mountains (for cancer), AWARE, church groups, Girl and Cub scouts, as well as being great support when it came to her children's sporting events. Suzy was also referred to as "Queen of the Game of Catch Phrase" which she loved to play with her girlfriends. Even as she struggled against a formidable disease, she always managed to share her joy and positive attitude to those who needed it most.

Suzy married Alex Capdeville in 2001 and they later retired to Bozeman where they enjoyed camping, boating, traveling and two grandchildren who live two houses away. One of her favorite quotes was, "If I had known how wonderful it would be to have grandchildren, I'd have had them first" (by Lois Wyse).

Suzy will always be remembered for her positive energy, her lust for life, her giving spirit and her fierce determination to survive and thrive in the face of great challenges.

She is survived by her husband, Alex Capdeville; her children, Tracy (Darren) Dobie, Jason Morse and Heidi (Stephen) Wilson; her brother, Donald (Janet) Loranger Jr. ; her wonderful grandchildren, Tyler and Hallie Dobie and Max Capdeville; her step-sons, Landon (Michelle) Capdeville and Chase Capdeville; and her beloved goldendoodle, Abby.

She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. Services will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Havre at 1 p. m. Friday, Aug. 19. A reception will follow the service at the Vineyard.

Memorials can be made in her name to the Bozeman Deaconess Cancer Center, 931 Highland Blvd # 3130, Bozeman, MT 59715-6914, or the memorial of one's choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service; online at www.dokkennelson.com.