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Sue Cole 1951-2006
Sue Cole was Community Base's receptionist from its opening in 1997 until her death on 2nd August 2006.
Sue's good humour and caring approach to others was the public face of Community Base to the thousands of people who visited or worked at Community Base during the nine years she worked with us.
On 17th August 2006 - Sue's birthday - we had a gathering at Community Base to celebrate Sue's life and her contribution to Community Base and the local community. We asked people to write down their memories and thoughts about Sue in a book which we gave to Les, Sue's husband. Here are the contributions to that book.
Sue, it was good to know you even though it was only a short time. Rest in peace.
Nick, Carousel
Sue, Miss your smiling face. At peace now.
Letitia
I’ve known Sue since I first started working here in 1998. We always had good chats! Her positive and friendly nature were constant. She will be very much missed. Lots of love to Les x
Katie (locum receptionist)
Sue You were the sunshine of Community Base
Maureen
Sue, thanks for your smiling face and our chats, you are a lovely lady.
Trish
Sue, You were an amazing woman, an example to us all! Lots of love and hugs - wherever you are
xx Nora xx The Scarman Trust
Sue - will miss you!
Zoe FFT
Sue it was a pleasure to know you
A.W.
I will miss your smiling face on arrival here.
Margot
Sue Cole - you will be sorely missed by friends that you know Chris and Kathleen, we came to see you once every Monday before the staff from Mencap came down to meet up with me, you were very special to all the friends that knew you. I will miss you very much. Lots of love from
Chris and Kathleen
It feels quite strange coming in and not seeing your face, I guess it always will. I’ve known you for 5 years and found you to be a very non-judgemental and special person. You had a way with people (all people!) that was calm and open. Your life experience shone through and made you approachable. I’m just glad that I knew you and will miss you.
Sara x
I think of you every day on my way home, when the train stops at Polegate, and when I do I remember our chats and the things that made us laugh and the things that made us cross. But most of all I remember how your face lit up when you spoke about Les and your special relationship that you treasured so much. Also I always think of black cats when I think of you! I’m glad I knew you Sue - a strong and caring woman. Now at peace.
Eleanor x
Sue was always, without fail, helpful, friendly, and welcoming. She will be sorely missed.
R. Williams
I will remember you with a big smile you always had time for me to have a chat and laugh. I’m missing your presence but your spirit lingers on. We celebrate your birthday and life.
Nicky Jumaine
You must have been one of the best known people in Brighton. It is hard to imagine coming to Community Base and not being greeted by you.
Neil Ansell
Always helpful - much missed
Alan
Always there for everyone - reminder of the birthdays and I always talked to her about cats - a mutual lover.
Bob
Sue your smile, openess and honesty will truly be missed. You were a beacon for so many. RIP
Althea
You brightened every day when we walked through that door to work. And your special presence made Community Base truly accessible to everyone who came through the same door looking for help. With love and happy memories from all at
aMaze
I remember Sue loved an excuse to talk about her cats! Wicked sense of humour, not easily fazed! I remember many conversations with Sue fondly over the seven odd years I’ve been greeting her on my way to work, she always had time to chat and was always interested in your life and happy to talk about hers. I’ve been inspired by the courageous way she’s faced recent difficulties and this final challenge, and by what I learnt about her from Les. I’ll carry that inspiration with me, and will miss our chats. May she indeed find peace.
Lou
Community Base won’t be the same without Sue’s genuine warmth and interest in everyone who worked here and visited. She will be very much missed.
Debbie and all at the Carers Centre.
Sue, I was always amazed at how you had a consistent smile and time for everyone who came to Community Base - We’ll miss you loads.
T
Thank you Sue for all the friendly chats, particularly about our cats. You were always helpful to all of us, workers and visitors. I was very pleased to see you here on my first day here having known you from the days of LENS and Hospital Acts. This book shows how missed you are by us all. With love from
Liz
Dear Sue, You’ve gone home. “ On the breast of the Mother of Blessings,in the arms of the Father of Life”. See you later, much love, as always
Iona xxx
Sue made everyone feel special. She must have known thousands of people and never forgot a face! She was without a doubt the best thing about Community Base and it won’t be the same without all those quick chats on the way in or out of the building. Love from
Rita
A serene presence in the centre of the storm, Sue would roll her eyes at the latest ridiculous twist that life in Community Base presented. It is very hard to come to terms with her not being here, but instead of thinking what we have all lost I am remembering how much we gained by having Sue in our lives.
Bethan
Sue was the face of Community Base. She was known and adored by staff and service users. Her smile brought a warm start to the day and her calm voice and manner made working at CB a pleasure. She will be loved and missed always. Lots of love to Sue.
Christianne Silverwood
Dearest Sue, I’ve always all too much to say, but when I need to say something the words leave me. You are truly missed - you are a wonderful person loved by everyone who worked here and all our clients. Happy Birthday
Kate Jessop xx
Dear Sue, It’s so hard to know what to say. Didn’t realise just how fond of you I was. You are a diamond and will sparkle forever around Community Base. Love
Katy x
Dear Sue - You were such a welcoming & reassuring face, greeting people with warmth and always so helpful. We will all miss you enormously. Love,
Sheila x
Throughout the nive years I worked with you I never knew you to be anything but caring, respectful and giving to the thousands of people who came to our reception, to you, for help, advice and support. It’s not fair you’re gone and I’ll miss you.
Colin
Dear Sue, you have always been such a wonderful gentle and amazingly “generous in spirit” wonder woman - with admiration + love
Charity x
We talked bikes - and passing her part 1 and 2 tests. What an achievement. The ride along the A27. Useless drivers and the inevitable moan about Volvo drivers! Hope she had an Ogri t-shirt in her collection love
Louise
Sue - a lovely lady will be missed by everyone who knew her. With all my love
Lyndsey
Sue, we remember your helpfulness, kindness and empathy wth us and our clients. You are much missed. love
Liz and Jane (Assert)
Sue, I thought it was cool how you knew everyone’s name and you shared your rollups with people. I’m sad that you’re gone.
Richard (ex-scip)
Miss your lovely smile and leather trousers! Thanks for all you taught me about the front desk, I feel like I had a small insight into what you truly meant to Community Base. Something that sadly will never be replaced. Lots and lots of love forever
Helen x
Sue, I will miss you, and I think you are lovely. This place won’t be the same without you, and we will always always remember you. Love,
Sharon
You have always been an inspiring combination - warm, kind, (and swearing under your breath when required!!) and genuinely interested in people. A brave and strong woman who has touched many of us. Long may your spirit soar. Happy Birthday. You will be remembered.
Susanne x x x
I first met Sue 5 years ago when I had occasion to come into Community Base. We quickly became friends and that grew when I began working at Community Base. Always a true friend with a knack of connecting with all kinds of people – never judging and always warm. I miss you Sue and my life is richer for knowing you and poorer for your passing. Very much loved,
Annette
You were like a big sister to everyone! For the two and a half years I have worked here (not counting the time I came into interview only to have a chap decide to have a pee outside the window!!!) you were always around to share the ups and downs of life. We had many laughs and sad times too when cats and others decided to leave us. Now you are gone on to better things and despite our fab locum receptionists you are sadly missed. I miss you when I go shooping for chocolate or sandwiches, I miss us moaning about the A27 and of course laughing about life in general. Your send off was everything you wanted it to be, Les did you proud. Fab music, words from the heart and a chuckle too. I am proud to have known you. Happy Birthday!
Lesley, St John Ambulance Homeless Service
When you came to CB with Les to say goodbye, you told us how the people and the place were such a special part of your life; now, your energy and love will always be here and we will try to live up to your example. We will love and remember you always Sue
Maggi
Sue, As a regular visitor to Community Base, I never found you anything but extremely helpful and good humoured. I shall miss you.
Graham
Community Base just won't be the same. Even for those of us no longer based in the building we knew that we could always pop in for a chat. Sue was one of life's truly kind and honest people and she always knew what to say. There's an old saying that you live on in the people who's lives you have touched and for Sue those numbers are just not really conceivable, she was a part of so many peoples lives. We will all miss you. Love
Lucy
