Susi Cavness

Susan (Susi) Louise Cavness was born and lived in Peoria, Illinois with her parents Tom and Ruth Gorsuch, two older sisters and one older brother.  In her freshman year of college, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes with the complication of cataracts in both eyes, causing blindness that was resolved by surgery. In her struggle with breast cancer, Susi suffered through numerous setbacks from 2008-2021 but maintained her shining personality and determination to live with cancer. Hospice care was provided for one month at her home, until she passed away on July 28, 2021.

Susi attended Peoria High School, graduating in 1972. She attended Wittenburg University in Ohio for one year. In 1973, she furthered her college education at Illinois Central Community College and Bradley University in Peoria.  In 1976 she attended the University of Kansas, Lawrence to study the new field of Music Therapy, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education in January, 1979. She was then certified as a Music Therapist and began working in that field.  She married Steve Cavness in August, 1979 and they moved to upstate New York to finish his educational training. In 1981, they moved to Appleton, Wisconsin where Steve worked as a psychologist and Susi worked as a music therapist, in retail and performing her own music and other popular artist’s songs in various venues. Susi also created and sold her own designs of gemstone jewelry. She was an accomplished pianist, acoustic guitarist, vocalist and sang for 30 years with the semi-professional White Heron Chorale in Appleton, where she was instantly recognized by her strong second alto voice and waist-long, thick, silver hair.  In all of her endeavors, Susi was known as a friendly, outgoing, caring person who loved her family, numerous friends, music and her three beloved Golden Retrievers.  Susi was also a proud member of the PEO Chapter CC in Appleton, and treasured the friendships she made with her sisters there.

She is survived by her husband Steve, sisters Sharon and Diana, brother Blair and a total of ten nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at on Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Wichmann Funeral Home, located at 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton.  At a later date, Susi will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Moments Hospice or Fox Valley Humane Association.