Obituary of Sue Ellen (Benedict) Laxdal

Sue Ellen (Benedict) Laxdal, age 81 passed away at her home in Palmetto Hall, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina on September 11^th, 2023. 

Sue was born in Ionia, MI and grew up in Lyons, MI.  Sue later moved to Medicine Lake, Minnesota, where she lived for 30 years.

Sue received her bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University in MN and went on to get her master’s degree in organizational development from Pepperdine University.  Sue worked 10 years as a management facilitator for the Department of Administration at the State of Minnesota and worked as a consultant for many years.

Sue was often described as being a kind and generous soul by her friends, family, and coworkers.

In addition to being a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, friend and mentor, Sue volunteered with Global Volunteers, an organization that she passionately served for many years.  Through her time with Global Volunteers, she traveled to more than 17 countries and touched countless lives as a volunteer, team leader and Board member.  Sue also worked with the Institute of Cultural Affairs in Chicago for several years.

Sue loved to spend time with her husband Steve, drink tea, read, golf, play bridge, and to visit with family and friends.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Jane and Albert Benedict, siblings Judi Vanderveen and Alan Benedict, and nephew Scott Fell.  She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Steve Laxdal, daughter Wendy (Brian) Johnson, son Chris (Kimberly) Laxdal and grandchildren Stefanie, Dylan (Katie) and Samantha (Kyle) Johnson, Kaylie (Daniel) Reyes, and Kassidy and Chase (fiancé Alicia) Laxdal, and one great-grandchild, Orion Reyes.

Celebration of life events will take place in Hilton Head and in Minnesota at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Global Volunteers, in honor of Sue:  GlobalVolunteers.org

Special thanks to Hospice Care of the Low Country for their support of Sue.