Susan Elliott

Susan Elliott, of Wausau, Milwaukee, and Madison, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, with her daughters at her side. She was 73 and bravely faced brain cancer for the final year of her life. She was both scientist and artist, both deeply intelligent and deeply compassionate, and the world is poorer today for her absence. 

Sue was born in Madison, WI to Lloyd and Pauline (Peterson) Tingom on May 11, 1951. As an adult, she delighted in her birthday’s proximity to Mother’s Day, calling it “the double holiday.” Sue graduated from Madison’s La Follette High School and UW-Madison, the first in her immediate family to finish college. She moved to Wausau, WI to work as a medical technologist at Wausau Hospital, and there she met and married James Elliott. 

Sue and Jim built a life together in Wausau and raised their daughters there. Ever curious, Sue was a consistent presence at book clubs, bird watching, art classes, and walking at local parks. She went on trips to look for interesting rocks, especially Lake Superior agates, and she and Jim visited many state and national parks together. 

Sue was preceded in death by her parents and by many beloved pets, including Kansas, Lucky, Pumpkin, Can Can, Snip, and Roy. She is survived by Jim, her husband of over 40 years, and their daughters Heather Elliott of Madison and Lisa Elliott (Evan Barnes) of Milwaukee. Other survivors include her siblings Sherrie (David) Munson of Laguna Hills, CA; Linda Steinpreis of Sheboygan, WI; David Tingom of Oregon, WI; and many loved friends, nieces, and nephews. The family also wishes to thank her whole team of care at Froedtert Hospital, Hope Clinic, and Agrace Hospice. 

Sue faced her glioblastoma diagnosis with her trademark mix of courage, practicality, and care for others. Her expressed wish was for quality time over aggressive treatment, and her final months were spent sharing and receiving love with her loved ones. She has generously donated her brain to the Medical College of Wisconsin to advance brain cancer research. Sue’s terrible illness robbed her of her voice, but she worked hard to be able to say what she found most important: “I am happy” and “I love you.” 

The family will hold a celebration of life in the spring. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the “Strain for the Brain” event in Milwaukee, the UW-Madison Arboretum, or the Humane Society of Marathon County. Honor Sue’s life by listening to songbirds, by breathing in deeply the fragrance of spring lilacs; by always learning, by noticing rocks (both common and rare); and above all, by being kind.