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Each Friday during the holiday season, we are going to be spotlighting a different staff member to introduce them to the ThriftyFun community. This week, we are starting off with Susan, the late founder of ThriftyFun.com.
Susan grew up in the Seattle area and lived in the Pacific Northwest most of her life. She spent much of her adult life as a single mother, struggling to make ends meet. In the height of the excesses of the 1980's, she was shopping thrift stores and garage sales. The lessons she learned at this time about frugality served her well and she did her best to instill these values with her children.
Susan and her sons started the roots of this website in 1997, with the creation of CouponCentral.com. There was a weekly newsletter, called the Coupon Clipper, with frugal tips sent in by the readers. This later grew into it's own website, ThriftyFun.com in 1999. Over 10 years later, it is more successful than ever, with thousands of members and even more subscriptions to our newsletters.
Susan would spend most of her waking hours each day working on ThriftyFun. She would write articles, edit tips, approve feedback, troubleshoot problems for our readers and generally make sure the site was up and running. Our members have always commented on how pleasant and helpful she was for them. Many considered her a friend, even if only from her emails.
Susan left us unexpectedly last December after a short, debilitating illness. But her legacy is still with us, in this community that she nurtured into what it is today. Her children are all involved in the day to day running of the site as are other family members and close friends. Each time someone shares a tip or photo, or posts a solution to a problem, it is a tribute to Susan and her vision.
Here is a link to Susan's memorial page, announcing her death to our readers. There was an overwhelming outpouring of support and sympathy from the entire community.
What an inspiration she is! Thanks, Team, you carry her vision. (11/27/2009)
By Sally
I totally agree that we should remember Susan in this way! She was such an inspiration to all and I've gained so much knowledge and ideas from the website. Keep up the good work as you carry on in Susan's memory! (11/27/2009)
By shirlee
The ThriftyFun legacy lives on through staff & members because of a sincere devotion to Susan's timely good idea! No doubt, the best is yet to come. (11/27/2009)
By Doug McQuain
She sounds like a lovely person to have in our lives. What a wonderful story. Thanks. (11/27/2009)
By Little Suzy
Miss her madly, A daily inspiration. (11/28/2009)
By mara
You state in this review that she oversaw "troubleshoot problems for our readers and generally make sure the site was up and running. Our members have always commented on how pleasant and helpful she was for them. Many considered her a friend, even if only from her emails" and I was one of those who she helped, being new to thriftyfun I was not always sure how to submit a craft or had questions & she was always there to help & answer my inquires, but most of all she did it with a warm hello or a I hope your doing ok & let me know if I can further help you instead of short fast answers like most give via the www Susan made you feel like you had know her for years with her warm spirit of giving. I look forward to knowing it may be her who would reply to me and wish me well.
She is sadly missed by those of us who as you say only knew her via www through emails on thriftyfun. And as a daughter who just lost her father 2 months ago my heart goes out still to both her passing and also her children who I know miss her dearly still. I have come to know both Jess & Lewis through the help still with thriftyfun there and they too have there mothers loving spirit that they offer to others. So thank you to them as well.
Please know as the holidays near upon us that even though they are gone from us as parents they will never leave our hearts or memory with the love they left behind. God bless everyone there at thriftyfun, you make our lives richer by knowing you and the wonderful things you offer to us from your lovely site, all thanks at the beginning works of susan, Lord rest her soul. from Julie (11/29/2009)
By Julie
Susan most definitely inspired me with her help and kindness through this site and via emails! I miss her very much and am so very proud of her children, friends and everyone else who helps to keep this site alive the way she would have wanted it to be!
I remember well when I first heard of Susan's illness and passing and was so saddened :-( The first anniversary of Susan's passing is soon upon us so I am praying we all keep the spirit of her original intentions by continuing with heartfelt help and sharing with others and a giving a huge thank you to her children and friends who keep this site running which in turn helps each and every one of us who ask questions we need help with or submitting photos, tips, crafts, photos and pets for contests to share with others with the hope of winning whether for a community pat on the back and/or financial help when a win occurs.
I am thanking you all who keep this awesome site running whether family, friend, employee or ThriftyFun Family Member and for new friendships created, whether small or large, from all of you ;-)
My heart is with us all on December 21st in memory of Susan and her awesome vision! (11/30/2009)
By Deeli
Although I never spoke with her directly, I could tell that this website was run with consideration for the members. My heart is with all who knew her and loved her. God Bless! (11/30/2009)
By Elaine
People like Susan inspire you and may the members of Thrifty Fun share their knowledge and inspiration to others.Thank you. (11/30/2009)
By Dorothy
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