Susan Gilmer

Susan Gilmer, 70, died at home Sept. 11. Over the years Susan worked at Artifacts Gallery in many different capacities, as a manager, writer and bookkeeper. Working at Artifacts was the melding of many of Susan's interests in art, history, color, fashion and language.

She earned a degree in religious studies from IUPUI, where she also worked as the department secretary. A theme that ran through her career was writing, editing, marketing and other forms of communication. She loved language and had brief correspondence with linguist Umberto Eco, the subject of a college paper. Susan received an award from the Society of Professional Journalists for her articles about cable television published in NUVO, where she was copy editor. She also had been an editor of publications at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Other marketing, writing and editing assignments came from Indiana Living Green magazine, Business Ownership Initiative and Historic Landmarks. While at Free University, she created "So You Think You Are Irish" celebrations and programs in conjunction with the Search for Alexander exhibit in Chicago. Susan loved State Fair Mix zinnias, 'Annabelle' hydrangeas and red geraniums.

Born in Michigan, Susan never quite left the sandy lakeshore and was planning her annual fall visit at the time of her death.

Survivors: sons, Thomas Meltzer and Matthew Ford; cousins, Joann Tooley and Ted Stewart; and many friends. Her wise advice and insights will be sorely missed by those who were fortunate to know and love her.

Services will be private. Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Cremation Services.