Suzanne Searle Dixon

Sue was born in Chicago in 1931, but became a real North Shore girl, growing up in Winnetka and Lake Forest, which she called home for her entire life. She was the daughter of John G. and Frances C. Searle, whose family business, GD Searle and Co., was prominent in international pharmaceuticals. She attended North Shore Country Day School, and enjoyed a happy childhood full of friends, dogs, and horses. She then attended Westover School in CT, graduating in the Class of 1949, and she remained a supporter of the all-girls school throughout her life. Sue then attended Bennett Junior College, and then went on to the American Academy of Design graduating in 1952. She kept a wonderful portfolio of her work, but her career as an artist was cut short when she met the love of her life, Wesley M. Dixon Jr. Wes and Sue were married in 1953 and celebrated 61 amazing years together until Wes’s death in 2014. They travelled extensively, shared many interests and passions, and were both hugely engaged in their community. They had three wonderful children. Throughout her life, Sue was actively involved in many renowned institutions, most of them Chicago and Lake Forest-based. She served on the Women’s Board of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Women’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and she was the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors of Northwestern University. One of Sue’s favorite organizations was Lake Forest Open Lands, where she was the first woman to serve as chair and was a Life Board member, affectionately nicknamed “The Prairie Queen” by those involved who knew her well. Her daily excursions into the prairies near her home gave her joy and excitement throughout her entire life. Also, she was deeply involved with and dedicated to the Board of the Chicago Botanical Gardens, which was a favorite place to visit at all times of year and as often as possible. Sue was a member of Shikar Safari Club International. Sue is survived by her children, Karie Thomson (David), Rocky Dixon (Julie), and Lynn Loacker (the late Jack). She has five grandsons and seven greatgrandchildren.