It is with great sadness, yet hope, that we announce the passing of Susan (Gombert) Caldwell, 52, of Simsbury, beloved wife of Hugh Caldwell on January 27, 2017. Susan was born on February 18, 1964 in Cleveland, Ohio and was the daughter of Willard "Bill" and Vivian Gombert, also of Simsbury. Susan was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Susan peacefully departed this world surrounded by her loving family, to start a new life in Heaven after displaying love and care for others throughout her life, and enormous dignity and grace during a lengthy and challenging illness. She leaves behind, to carry on her legacy of love and kindness, her devoted husband Hugh and her cherished and beautiful daughters Christine, Jennifer, and Katherine, all of Simsbury. She joins her beloved son Hugh Jack in Heaven. Susan also leaves her loving family: her parents Bill and Vivian, her brother Bill and wife Carolynn of IL; their son Bill and wife Jackie and their daughter Hailey, and Lisa, Alex and Julie; her sister Karen Hines and husband Mike of CT and their children Morgan and Garrett. She also leaves much loved Caldwell family members brought into her life by marriage; her mother-in-law Laraine Caldwell; her sister-in-law Laraine Caldwell and her children, Christopher, Michael, Joseph and wife Catherine; her brother-in-law Greg and wife Carol and their children Anna, Kristin, Nicole and Danielle; her sister-in-law Kathleen Caldwell; her brother-in-law Jimmy and wife Caroline and their son Mason; her brother-in-law Michael and wife Yari. Susan was raised in Palatine, IL and graduated from Augustana College and the University of Hartford attaining a Master's degree in Education. She went on to teach in the Hartland, Torrington, Granby, and Farmington school systems for more than 15 years. Susan had a true passion for teaching because she loved children and was a constant source of encouragement to each child she had the privilege to teach. In addition to teaching as a profession, Susan also volunteered to teach Religious Education at St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury for 6 years. There was a quiet and special magnetism between her and her students that was readily noticeable by others. Faith and family were a top priority for Susan. She was a wonderful wife and mother and loved her family unconditionally. She inspired and supported her children every day of her life. Christine, Jennifer, and Katherine were a great source of pride and joy and their activities were of the utmost importance to her. She was equally proud of their many accomplishments. She would always put herself aside to attend all of their extracurricular activities; including all of their sporting events as well as chorus recitals and other school and church activities. Susan made lasting friendships from childhood, through school, teaching, church, and community involvement. Those who were fortunate to know her would describe her as kind, selfless, compassionate, optimistic, courageous, strong, amazing, spiritual, loving and thankful to name just a few of her qualities. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. She touched many lives and will remain a cherished friend. Her spirit will live on in each person who was lucky enough to know her. May the light that shined so brightly in Susan, shine brightly in each one of us as we go forward. This would please Susan very much. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the caring staff at McLean Home Care and Hospice, for their compassionate care and personal touch. A very special thank you to doctors Bertsch, Killory and Nerenstone and all the fine people at Hartford Hospital. Our thanks, also, to Dr. Brastianos and her associates at Dana-Farber and Massachusetts General Hospital for their excellent care. Thank you also, to each friend who has provided help and offered support in so many ways, and for the many prayers that were said for Susan and her family. Family and friends are invited to visit with Susan's family from 4:00 to 8:00pm on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road, West Simsbury, on Saturday February 4, 2017, at 10:00am. Burial will follow in the Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan's memory may be made to the Religious Education Program, St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road, West Simsbury, CT 06092. Please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com for directions or to offer a message of condolence.