But that intensity and that curiosity in Susan Hawkins was a crucial part of her spirit, and it offended seldom because it was also measured out with great generosity and with earnest concern. Suffice it to say that, shortly after my wife gave birth later that November day, we asked Susan if she would do us the honor of being our daughter's godmother. She consented, and from the time Lizzy came home from the hospital until the last day's of Susan's life, the two of them remained close. I am perhaps most grateful to Susan for the long friendship we shared--but it is hard to separate that friendship from the friendship she had with my wife as well, from the relationship she and Lizzy developed over the years, and from Susan's place in our lives.
In the long run, Susan Hawkins was, in addition to being a wonderful colleague, a part of our family. A sister and a friend, an "aunt" to our sons, and a godmother--in a real sense of the word. We all miss her, and our love for her continues.