Suzette Kay Gillard, 60, of Glenville, Minn., died Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, at her home.

Suzette was born on Nov. 27, 1951, in Albert Lea, Minn., the daughter of Charles and Elaine (Lau) Gillard. She grew up in Glenville, graduating from Glenville High School. Sue went to college at Southwest State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Mankato State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree. She did her graduate work at the University of Minnesota, where she received a master’s degree.

Sue was a teacher and a musician. She had recently retired from Glenville Elementary as the principal. She was a member of the Austin Symphony, the Glenville City Council, the Amateur Trap Shooting Association and First Lutheran Church of Glenville, where she served as the church organist. Sue volunteered as the church secretary and for Greenwood Cemetery. Her hobbies included trap shooting, photography, traveling and spending time with her friends and family.

She had a great love for her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Suzie always looked at the positive side in life, and brought out the best in everyone. She spent countless hours with her mom. She was a taxi driver, health care provider, dinner guest and best friend. She will be greatly missed by all. Blessed be her memory.

Survivors include her mother Elaine Gillard of Glenville; sisters Pam (Steve) Shirk of Bricelyn, Minn., Cindy (Greg) Recknor of Hartland, Minn.; brother, Tom (Doreen) Gillard of Austin; nieces and nephews Andrea (Justin) Hockert, Alison Shirk, Amy (Adam) Ray, Katie (Nick) Wayne, Jess (Ashley) Recknor, Laura (Jason) Maschka and Dustin Gillard; great-nieces and great-nephews Jackson Hockert, Reese Hockert, Savannah Ray, Amelia Wayne and Graham Wayne; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Sue was preceded in death by her father Charles Gillard and her grandparents.

Suzie had a passion for education. She believed every child should have the opportunity for a great education and she made sure that her nieces and nephews always had books to read. She encouraged them to do what made them happy. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Glenville-Emmons Schools.

Funeral services for Sue will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, at the First Lutheran Church in Glenville. The Rev. James Rushton and Rev. Grant Gillard will officiate. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.