Obituary of Henry Etta Sue Lenardon-LaDow

“Sue” Lenardon LaDow passed away on the 28th of December, 2016 at home while in Hospice of St. Francis care. She leaves her devoted husband Sid LaDow, several children and grandchildren and a multitude of friends to mourn her passing. She was born in May 1944 in the home of her grandparents, Phillip and Mary Esta O'Dell in East Bank, West Virginia. She moved to Dover, Delaware at the age of twelve and graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in 1962 where she was the head Majorette. Upon completing beauty school, Sue owned her own hair salon for several years and later worked in the construction industry. She move to Sonora, Kentucky in 1973 and later to New Albany, Indiana where she managed the “King Arthur Restaurant” and taught school for several years under Title 1. In 1976 she decided that she had enough snow and relocated to Palm Bay. Sue was a home decorating consultant until hired at the Palm Bay police Department as a Communications Officer in November of 1977. She and detective Sid LaDow began dating in February of 1978. After changing to Indian Harbor Beach Police Department for a short while, Sue was elected to the Palm Bay City Council in 1981 where she remained until 1987. Sue and Sid were married in June of 1982. Two weeks after marrying, Sid received orders to return to active duty in the U.S. Army and was stationed in New Orleans for four years with Sue visiting as time permitted. Meanwhile, Sue served as the Secretary of the local League of Florida Cities for five years. She was a member of the Italian American Club and the Republican Woman’s Club. She was a lifelong Republican until the last election. Sue also served a term as a Deputy Mayor. Sue proudly served several terms on the Palm Bay Hospital Advisory Board. Veterans were dear to her heart as she was the proud great granddaughter, granddaughter, daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, wife and step mother of veterans. She was the past President of the Ladies Auxiliary. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church and prayed every day. Upon Sid's third retirement from the working world in 2001, the pair enjoyed camping in their motor home, attending bluegrass festivals, antique tractor shows, New Orleans Mardi Gras, Branson, Missouri shows, playing with their two Shetland Sheepdogs, Bonnie and Clyde, and cruises in the Caribbean. She also stayed politically active and supported many currently elected officials. Most of all, Sue enjoyed the role as hostess to the backyard parties she threw for her friends. This included weddings, wedding receptions, Christmas parties or any excuse for a get together with her many friends. She enjoyed decorating the house and yard for the slightest excuse. Sue enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. Her special friends, Ray and Michelle, Mark and Laura, Jack and Bonnie, Ray and Donna, Steve, Bill, Gene, and others too numerous to mention will always be remembered for their friendship love and kindness. Interment will be at a later date at the Cape Canaveral National Veterans Cemetery in Mims, Florida. Ammen Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements with a special thanks to Michael Ammen who was her friend for over thirty years. She requested that no funeral service be held. Her last wish was for one more backyard get together of her friends. A celebration of Sue's life is planned for when the weather gets nicer. It will be a catered event with lots to eat and drink. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her favorite charity, The Azan Shrine Center, 1591 West Eau Gallie Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32935.