Who Was Susan
A Loving Daughter, Friend, Teacher, Wife, Mama, and Gigi
Susan Brown Glenewinkel of San Marcos, Texas, aged 57, passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2024, leaving a hole in the hearts of all who knew her and a sadness so profound that words fall short. Born on July 24, 1966, in Waukegan, Illinois, Susan grew up in a loving family with her parents, Dorothy and Neil Brown, and her brother Kevin.
A Life Rooted in Friendship and Love
Susan graduated from Southwest Texas State, where she was active as a Sigma Nu Little Sister. San Marcos became the place where she formed lifelong friendships — including with her very best friend and future husband, Reagan Glenewinkel. They married in 1992 and built a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering devotion. Their journey took them to Round Rock, El Paso, Seguin, and back to San Marcos as they followed Reagan’s career with UPS. No matter where they lived, Susan created a home overflowing with warmth, hospitality, and friendship.
Reagan and Susan’s 32-year marriage was a model of partnership, joy, and mutual support — a bond that inspired their children and everyone blessed to witness it.
A Passionate and Dedicated Teacher
When her children were school-aged, Susan earned her teaching certificate and began serving students across Texas. She was a dedicated and passionate educator whose commitment touched countless lives. Most recently, she worked as the Response to Intervention (RTI) teacher at Bluebonnet Elementary in Lockhart ISD, where she taught for 10 years.
Susan inspired her students daily, nurturing their love for learning and helping them grow with patience, encouragement, and joy. She was also a mentor and friend to her colleagues, always ready with a listening ear, a warm smile, or a helping hand. Her fun-loving, caring spirit made her the perfect teacher.
The Heart of Her Family
Susan was a devoted wife, Mama, and Gigi who always put her family first. Nothing brought her more happiness than time spent with those she loved. She was the proud mother of six children — five by birth and one by choice — and an adoring Gigi to thirteen (now 15) grandchildren who filled her life with joy.
She was the steady heart of the family: the one everyone turned to for sage advice, comfort, encouragement, and unconditional love.
Susan championed her family’s dreams and celebrated their accomplishments with pride.
A Spirit Full of Joy
Susan was a kind and generous friend who made everyone feel welcomed and valued. Her warm, genuine smile lit up every room she entered. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a zest for life. She loved to read, relax by her pool, and wade in the river — simple joys that reflected her peaceful, loving nature.
Her greatest passion and accomplishment was the life she built with Reagan — a life defined by adventure, love, and unwavering support.
Her Legacy
Susan’s legacy lives on in her family, her friends, her students, and the countless lives she touched. The Susan Brown Glenewinkel Educational Foundation was created to honor her memory and continue her work of uplifting children, supporting literacy, and creating joyful spaces for learning.
Her light remains — in every child who discovers confidence through reading, in every act of kindness inspired by her example, and in every life touched by the foundation created in her name.