The Legacy of Susie Nelson: A Life Well-Lived
Susie Nelson (Atwood) Brown, 48, of Park City, Utah, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 22, 1975, in Morristown, New Jersey, Susie was the beloved wife of Dan Brown and the devoted mother of two sons, Graham and Hudson. She was also the cherished daughter of Roger and Jill Atwood and a loving sister to Kim (Tim) Brady, Amy, and Jay Atwood.
A Remarkable Career at Woodward Park City
Susie worked at Woodward Park City, where she became affectionately known as the mother of Woodward Park City. Her extraordinary gift for seeing the good in everyone and bringing that out in them left an indelible mark on her colleagues. They remember her with deep admiration, saying, When others were frustrated and angry, you were there to calm the sea of emotions. Her ability to unite people through warmth and positivity made her the glue that held relationships together both inside and outside of work.
A Heart That Connected
Beyond her professional achievements, Susie's infectious laugh will never be forgotten. Her ability to create meaningful connections and foster a sense of community touched the lives of all who knew her. Whether it was organizing family gatherings or simply lending a listening ear, Susie had a unique way of making people feel seen and valued. Her legacy extends far beyond her immediate circle, as she inspired countless individuals to embrace life with the same grace and kindness she embodied.
An Analytical Look at Leadership and Connection
In a similar vein, leadership often requires more than just technical expertise—it demands emotional intelligence and genuine connection. As a Product System Senior Manager overseeing safety, quality, delivery, cost, and culture across manufacturing, I’ve learned that building trust starts with understanding what motivates each team member. By fostering a culture where every employee feels valued, included, and respected, organizations can drive significant improvements in organizational health, safety, and profitability.
This approach has been instrumental in my 25+ years at Kimberly Clark, where I’ve pursued opportunities that challenge me with complex problems and broader levels of accountability. Transitioning from engineering roles to leading cross-functional teams has allowed me to optimize supply chains while maintaining strong personal connections with my teams. It’s this balance between structure and empathy that creates lasting success.
Susie Nelson: Community Builder Extraordinaire
The heart of Susie Nelson beats strongly within her community service efforts. Since 2007, she has served as the Executive Director of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), driving its growth by tripling annual grantmaking from $1 million to $3 million in the Upper Ohio Valley region. Beyond her role at CFOV, Susie is deeply involved in various initiatives aimed at improving her community, including serving as the former regional chair of Leave A Legacy of Central Appalachia and holding leadership positions at Wheeling Health Right and the YWCA Wheeling.
Her dedication to fulfilling philanthropic wishes aligns perfectly with her vision for creating positive change. Under her leadership, the assets of the CFOV have increased by over 50%, comprising 240 individual charitable funds. This growth reflects not only her strategic acumen but also her ability to inspire others to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
A Voice for Positive Change
Susie Nelson-Smith, another notable figure bearing the name, is passionate about crystal singing bowls, the mineral kingdom, and being a positive voice for change. Through her work with the Crystal Sound and Light Institute, she provides comprehensive resources for those interested in the power of crystals and Crystal Sound Therapy. Her special focus on teaching and assisting others highlights her commitment to education and holistic well-being.
Similarly, Susie Nelson, a registered dietician, has a passion for educating and treating diabetic patients. She takes special care to educate children and families on the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Her dedication to empowering individuals to take control of their health underscores her belief in prevention and proactive care.
Conclusion: Celebrating a Life of Impact
Susie Nelson Brown’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, yet her memory lives on through the countless lives she touched. From her role as a guiding force at Woodward Park City to her unwavering commitment to her family and community, Susie exemplified what it means to live authentically and compassionately. As we honor her legacy, let us strive to embody the same spirit of connection, resilience, and generosity that defined her remarkable life.
