80th birthday surprise for Superior's Sue McDonald
Mary-Hannah Stenberg | Valley Press-Mineral Independent | UPDATED 1 day, 5 hours AGO
Sue atop the bar at Superior Soup and Sandz, though she knew it as the Rockin’ Rodeo, raising a Dr. Pepper toast to thank everyone for attending, in her “80 and fabulous” sash and tiara. (Photo courtesy/Loretta Parker Dana)
Last weekend, nearly 100 people gathered to celebrate Superior’s Helen “Sue” McDonald at her surprise 80th birthday party.
Family and friends traveled from across Montana and Idaho, with some driving and flying from as far away as California and Minnesota. Five of Sue’s six siblings attended, an especially meaningful reunion since they are all now in their 70s and 80s.
Sue was born on Sept. 23, 1946, in South Dakota. She moved to Superior in 1964 to be closer to her grandmother during an illness and has called the community home ever since. Sue raised two children, Steven and Becky Heimbigner, both graduates of Superior High School. She also helped raise her grandchildren, Tyler and Kelsey Stenberg, who also graduated from Superior.
She remains an adored and constant figure in the lives of her five great-grandchildren. For more than 30 years, Sue worked at S&S, where the community came to know and love her. Through the years, she became a motherly or grandmotherly figure to countless people, always offering kindness, encouragement, and a listening ear.
Sue is a shining example of a life well lived and a legacy built on unconditional love, generosity, and steadfast care for others. The incredible turnout for her surprise birthday celebration speaks volumes about the impact she has had on those around her. No one wanted to miss the opportunity to show up for Sue, just as she has shown up for so many others throughout her life.
We are grateful for Sue, the love she has shared so freely, and the countless lives she has touched. We look forward to celebrating many more birthdays and making many more memories with her in the years to come.