Dr. Mary Susanne Roscoe-Willems

Dr. Susanne Roscoe (Sue), 87, of Aurora, passed away peacefully in her home on December 30, 2017 with her family by her side. She was born May 26, 1930 in Texarkana, AR, the daughter of Edward M. and Grace (Hartzell) Willems. Sue was raised in Marsailles, IL where she graduated from high school in the class of 1948. She continued to become a graduate of the University of Rochester, N.Y. in 1952, and the University of Illinois Medical Center in 1956 as a doctor of medicine.

            After college, Sue interned at the Milwaukee County General Hospital before opening her own family practice on N. Lake St. in Aurora. It was also at this time that she established the Foxhill Home for Girls in Batavia, a home for unwed teenage mothers.

            In 1959 she married Garth H. Roscoe, of Aurora, and together had their daughter, Karen. After 15 years she closed her home office and continued as an Emergency surgeon for Mercy and Copley Hospitals in Aurora. Over the years she also practiced in Oswego, IL and Gary, Indiana.

            A columnist once wrote – Dr. Roscoe “wrote a prescription for a full, rewarding life.” At the young age of 14 she was introduced to flying, and by age 16 she was a licensed pilot. She was a member of the “99's” Club, a group of woman pilots organized by Emelia Earhart. Flying was a passion that was evident throughout her life as she organized and flew competitively in air derbies. Her love of flying and medicine eventually led her to Alaska, where she did missionary medicine from 1979 through the early ‘80’s.

            Although she had a love for the air, she also took to the sea and in 1970 was a ship's surgeon aboard the S.S. Cristobal in New Orleans, LO.

            In her retirement Sue was an avid traveler and continued missionary work notably in Afghanistan and Africa. She maintained many friendships and supported several organizations including the Zonta Woman's Club, YWCA, the Aurora Foundation, and the Paramount Arts Theater. She was a longtime member and Deacon for the First Presbyterian Church of Aurora. Sue appreciated many hobbies including camping, hiking, photography, collecting, and playing bridge. She also enjoyed playing the piano, listening to jazz music, and attending her grandchildren's sporting events. 

            Sue is survived by her loving sister, Ellen (John) Reinhard, her daughter Karen Roscoe, her granddaughters Lisa (Frankie) Zepeda, and Liyah Rodriguez, and three great-grandchildren Austin, Peyton, and Natalie Zepeda. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

            Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12th at First Presbyterian Church, 325 E. Downer Pl. Aurora, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. A private burial will be held in Carthage, IL.

            In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Zonta International Club for Women.

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