Sue Iwinski, the energetic founder of the Sun City/Huntley Multiple Sclerosis Support Group passed away recently. She became a resident of Neighborhood 18 in 2006, and will be missed greatly by a multitude of family and friends. Here are excerpts from Sue’s Memorial Service Eulogy written by her husband, Mike, and son, Michael Iwinski:
“We’re here to remember Sue as the force of nature for hope and joy. We’re here to remember her sheer effervescence, regardless of her circumstances, and her unwavering need to help others.” Despite a difficult early life, the beginnings of a new life took shape when she met and eventually married what Sue called ‘her boyfriend,’ Mike Iwinski, 44 years ago. Mike would go on to become her best friend, greatest confidant, and eventually her primary caregiver.”
Joan Iwinski. (Photo provided)
“After working through a series of jobs, she (Sue) landed at Motorola…” As she was working her way up Motorola’s ladder, she was diagnosed in 1979 with Multiple Sclerosis. She continued working at Motorola and sought out support and exercise groups, “almost intentionally defying it (MS) to stop her…Eventually she discovered what we would all come to know, and what would drive her for the rest of her life: The disease was her calling, even as it led to her passing.”
“The next 30 years saw a whirlwind of activity that most people would call ‘exhausting’ or ‘unbelievable,’ and professional journalists have called “no less than a phenomenon…” You see, she firmly believed “If you tell yourself you CAN”T do something, you’re setting yourself up for failure.”
Clearly, Sue’s achievements are anything but a failure:
1. She became the co-chairman of the Schaumburg Township Committee for Disabled Citizens.
2. Using new techniques designed for the disabled, she taught exercise classes (free) 4 times weekly.
3. For the newly (MS) diagnosed, she served as a peer counselor.
4. Working closely in various community outreach efforts, she became president of the Schaumburg-Hoffman Lions Club.
5. She was appointed an Ambassadorship with the MS Foundation.
6. She founded the Sun City/Huntley MS Support Group currently meeting at the Family Alliance Building.
“At the time, it was said that ‘there are people who now have a future because of Sue Iwinski.’ Let’s remember her endless positive attitude and will to never, ever complain no matter how hard things got…”
Sue Iwinski, it was a privilege for all of us to have met you.
