Meet Susie Van Leunen

Susie grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri. Her husband’s career in the U.S. Navy brought them to Norfolk in the early 1980s. They have been in and out of the Tidewater area since. His last position brought them back to Norfolk in 2015. They are both retired and were thrilled to move back to the Tidewater area.

Susie retired as the Chief Financial Officer for the George Mason University Foundation, the charitable foundation for the university.

Susie has been a life-long gardener and has known several Master Gardeners in other areas. She wanted to enter the program but had to wait until she retired before she could devote the time.

Susie thought the classes were great. She was extremely impressed with the knowledge of all the instructors and the projects that she worked on. These were Weyanoke Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, Significant Trees, NEX Outreach, the plant sale, and the Butterfly House at Norfolk Botanical Garden. She hopes to get involved in many other projects. She is particularly interested in the Eco-garden, the Elizabeth River Trail, East Ocean View Children’s Garden, the Kitchen Garden, the Fred Heutte Square Foot Garden, and the greenhouse.

In addition to gardening, Susie enjoys cooking, reading, and walking her dog.

She has three grown children and two grandsons ages 9 and 12. All her children grew up to be gardeners.

When you see Susie, be sure to introduce yourself and welcome her to the Norfolk Extension Master Gardeners.