Dr. Sue Darby

© The Estate of Suzanna V Darby.

Dr. Sue Darby Scholarship for New Leaders

Hutchinson Community College Campus

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One of Sue Darby’s most treasured accomplishments was empowering her students to embrace their own personal power through education. After graduating from Emporia State University, Sue’s career began as a High School English Teacher in Effingham, KS. From there she went on to teach at other high schools before completing her Masters Degree at Wichita State University. She then became an instructor at the Community College level spending over 12 years at Cowley County Community College, eventually serving as a Division Chair for the Humanities Department and Director of the Mulvane Campus. After completing her Doctorate in Education from the University of Texas, Sue became a Dean of Instruction at John Woods Community College and then Hutchinson Community College, where she was a part of the community for 12 years. Sue also became a member of the Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Corps, where she evaluated and recommended the accreditation status for community colleges around the world. In this role, she served as a team chair and lead trainer of more than 1500 evaluators. No matter what role she served in, Sue developed leaders--whether with the HLC Peer Corps, at National American University after her years at Hutchinson, serving students in the two lowest socioeconomic quartiles, or at Baker University post-retirement where she taught online in the doctoral leadership program.Throughout Sue’s career, her students and colleagues have proclaimed how her dedication was life-changing and she could open up the world in ways you never expected. Upon retirement, Sue was still in demand, with a passion that could never quit. She continued to teach, train, consult and mentor future leaders.Her many close colleagues describe her as intelligent, wise, humorous, encouraging, loving, energetic, and a catalyst for all things that contributed to either excellence or fun. She will be remembered for her impressive impersonations, her abundant joy, and her creativity and care. She will be most missed for her very enduring friendship. Many, many professionals across the nation call Sue their good friend!Sue nurtured through education, with an impact spanning far beyond her school students. She was notorious for “adopting” daughters, sons (and pets), whom she mostly met through the schools she served and Leah and Josh: her own two children. Sue Darby did not “adopt” because she saw a lacking, or a position to fill. She embraced those whose success, achievement and personal belief were just beyond their own foresight; and she did what all great educators do: believed in you until you believed in yourself. And of course, she encouraged you to keep learning.Sue Darby received a sudden stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in February 2020. In true Sue style, she fought the good fight with elegance, intelligence, and prowess, until she passed on July 9th, 2020.Those lucky enough to have studied under, been mentored by, and worked alongside Sue Darby cohesively state that Sue’s uniquely joyous, positive, and enduring passion for inspiring future leaders will be missed beyond measure.A good educator goes beyond the content of what they teach: they position the student within the context of what they are learning, to inspire and awaken the endless opportunities they have before them. Sue Darby had a gift of igniting this personal belief, and motivating leadership qualities within her cohort.To honor such an incredible legacy, the “Dr. Sue Darby Scholarship for New Leaders” will continue to provide opportunities for those seeking an education. As she so often stated, “Your education is one thing that can’t be taken away from you.” She dedicated her career to creating a better future by educating those bringing the new, urgently needed leadership we need today. What better way to continue her legacy than a scholarship for aspiring leaders!Please join us in honoring Sue by making a contribution to an endowed scholarship at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, KS. The scholarship shall be made by the Hutchinson Community College Endowment Association Scholarship Committee. With your help, our goal is to raise enough funds for the scholarship to be awarded each year, beginning in 2022.

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Obituary

Dr. Suzanna (Sue) V. Darby, 72, of Kansas City, MO, passed away July 9, 2020, surrounded by loved ones. She bravely fought cancer until the very end.Sue was born to John and Maxine Skwarlo, on Feb. 6, 1948, in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from Turner High School in 1966 and received a BS in Education from Emporia State University in 1970. She also received a Master of Arts from Wichita State University in 1984, and a Doctor of Education from the University of Texas in 1996.Her life partner was James DeFrancesco, who also lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. Sue is survived by her children, Joshua and his wife, Megan and granddaughter, Kayla of Mission, KS; Leah and her fiancé, Michael Terwindt of New York, NY; and her extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.Sue was passionate about education. She believed and lived the quote, "Your education is the one thing that can’t be taken away from you." One of her most treasured accomplishments was guiding the students she mentored, taught, and encouraged as they pursued greater things for themselves by receiving an education. For fifty years she impacted the lives of students of many ages, from high school to community college (Cowley College, John Wood CC, Hutch CC), university (NAU), and doctoral levels (Baker U). And as a member of the Higher Learning Commission, her team evaluated and accredited Community Colleges around the world.She had an elegant style and was exceptionally beautiful, yet she would dig in the garden dirt to care for her plants and flowers. Sue enjoyed traveling (especially trips to Italy) as well as spending time and keeping in close contact with her family, extended family, and friends. She was overjoyed to be a grandma (AKA Nay-Nay!) She supported her Chiefs and Royals teams, enjoyed watching a good ball game, and loved UFC. Art, theater, music and literature were all appreciated by her. A good book, a glass of fine wine, and her beloved dogs on the couch with her Jim was an ideal evening. She had a deep, infectious belly laugh and did have fun! Sue will long be remembered for her inspiration and love for others.An in person memorial is planned for July 8, 2023, to celebrate her incredible life. Check the memorial page for full details and to RSVP.In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to start a scholarship in Sue's name at Hutchinson Community College, where she worked as the Dean of Instruction for many years. You may donate here if you'd like.

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Love Notes

Feel free to add a love note using the form below and browse what others have shared.

She left an empty spot.
She has left an empty hole and will always be remembered and loved.
Edaw MitThink of you, sooo often…
The neighborhood is just not the same without you and James…
We miss your smile, your light, your energy…
Keep your watchful eyes over us all… we could use all the guidance we can get these days…
love,
s. & c.Friends Forever
Sue and I met in San Francisco when we were 12 and despite her moving back to Kansas to go to high school and live with her dad, we stayed friends all these years. We were in touch almost daily and made tried to meet each year to spend some quality time together. I saw her grow as a wife, a parent, a professional, a mentor and most recently a grand-mother. But she was always my friend and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Svetlana ArtemoffA Guiding Light
Meeting Sue has been and still is an enriching and rewarding experience. She was a very generous and loving person, readily accepting us into her family, when our children became a couple.
She was a leader for leaders, a guide for whomever came into contact with her. Thank you, Sue!
After passing, I saw Sue in a whole new light. A luminous spirit, shining and existing in the spirit realm at a level I had never experienced before. She doesn't appear as a former image of her previously physical self but as a warm white glow, a feeling of love and peace. It is very comforting to know that Sue is still with us, continuing to guide and support us. Thank you, Sue!
¡We love you!
Cornelius TerwindtAlways so kind
Mrs. Sue welcomed me I to her home and made me feel like one of her own kids. I had gone to Austin with my family. Mrs. Sue went out of her way to see me while I was there, That was just who she was.
Sharra CantuHer light shines bright
Sue and I were brought together by the union of her daughter Leah with our son Michael. We only met each other twice, the first time in 2013 when she and Leah came to Perth, Western Australia, on holidays and stayed as guests at our home, the second time in 2015 when my husband Cornelius (Con), with our daughter Stephanie, holidayed in the US and stayed with Sue in Kansas City. We had fun spending time together with the family, touring the city, and even taking in a game of baseball at Kauffman stadium.
Sue and I were in contact almost every day through social media and family messaging groups, including our own private chat where we talked about our "kids", the extended family and life in general. Her cancer diagnosis came as a complete surprise and her illness was swift, with minimal discomfort, which was a blessing.
I am honoured to have known Sue and by the wonderful friendship we built across the miles. As a family, we had many plans for the future and it pains me to think that she won't be with us to share those experiences. However, even thought we are devastated that she is no longer treading path on this earth, she is with us in spirit and her light shines brightly upon us each day. Rest in peace wonderful, beautiful Sue. We will never forget you.
Ana TerwindtAlways Brought A Smile To My Face
A lovely soul. After 5 minutes chatting with her I felt like I knew her my whole life. I love that I was able to have a laugh with "Dr. Darby." 🙏🏼
Eddie ZamoraMy best friend
Every once in awhile it hits me hard. We won’t be old ladies wearing purple together. We were friends for over 30 years. She was always there for me. She was my safe place as I was hers. Her passing has left a huge hole in my life and my heart. We laughed, we cried, we argued, we loved each other. I’m not sure I was worthy of her friendship but I treasure the fact that I had it.
Susan RushA Class Act
I would have felt blessed just knowing Sue. But to have her as my mother-in-law, my Momma Darby, was a privilege.
While I feel angry that she has left us so early, I am relieved to know that she lives on. In Josh and Leah, and now Kayla. Her legacy will continue through them. They embody her strength, dignity and poise.
She had the most graceful exit: quick and with minimal pain. It was a perfect send off.
We miss you and will continue to celebrate your life. You taught us so much. We love you.
Michael Terwindt

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Celebration of Life for Jim DeFrancesco & Sue Darby

Spring of 2020 was a crazy time, so a proper memorial had to be delayed
And although a few years have passed, our memories of them will not fade
They LOVED ‘The Frog’ and went there weekly to enjoy friends, great food, and wine
To honor them it’s the perfect place to gather and spend some timePlease join us on Saturday, July 8th, 5:00-7:00pm
The Patio at Le Fou Frog, 400 E. 5th St., Kansas City, MO 64106

Please RSVP to 913.449.9271 or [email protected] by July 1st

Memorial Information

Because of Sue’s passion for education and the many years she devoted to her students, we started an endowed scholarship in her name: www.hutchcc.edu/giving

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Because of Jim’s love for skiing and taking care of others before himself, memorials can be dedicated in his honor to help inner city youth get out on the slopes while learning positive youth development: www.chill.org/donate

• Donate to Jim's Memorial

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