Cranbrook.edu

In Memoriam: Sue Spencer

3/31/2025

Former faculty member Sue Hahn Spencer passed away earlier this month. Sue came to Cranbrook in the fall of 1981 as Dr. Hahn, taking on the role of head of the Science Department and becoming part of the Cranbrook residential life program. She married Robert Spencer in 1989 and moved off campus, but stayed very active in campus life, serving as a Wilderness leader for many years, including the 1993 blizzard and beyond. Dr. Spencer received the Alumni Appreciation award in 1998. She stepped down as department head that year, but continued to work part time at the school for two years as lab technician and tutoring students. Former students and colleagues noted her passion for chemistry, her intrepid spirit and her devotion the teaching of science. Upon her retirement, Spencer stated that "Cranbrook is a unique place in the world and the beauty never ceases to amaze me."

Here is a link to her obituary to share condolences or memories: bit.ly/ckInMemSSpencer

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- Sue Spencer, Science Department Head 1981-1998
- Dr. Spencer (center) administering vital fluids to colleague Russ Conner with the support her fellow members of the Science Department (from left to right (Lebo, Hoffman, Spencer, Miller, Van Dam, Ryan, Gorrill, Ashman, Greene, Norton)