Susan D. (Baker) Thompson, 65, of Vero Beach, Fla., passed away Sunday, Sept. 12, 2010.

Susan was the daughter of Ethel (Baker) Lieseke and Robert G. Baker, both deceased. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Thompson; son, Jesse Thompson; sister, Kathleen Pintone; brothers, Tim and Ernie Lieseke; her nieces and nephews; and her beloved Pomeranian, Mako.

Born in Coupeville in 1945, she attended Langley Grade School and graduated from Helen Bush School, Seattle, and attended Occidental College in Pasadena, Calif.

Susan worked for many years as a portfolio manager for Professional Advisory Services of Vero Beach. In 1993 she became a chartered financial analyst.

Susan’s lifelong love of nature led her to serve for many years as a local chapter representative and board member as well as state treasurer for the Florida Native Plant Society. In 2006 she received the society’s Silver Palmetto Award.

She volunteered with the Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County and was named the James T. Vocelle Democrat of the Year multiple times, in recognition of her service to the Democratic Party.

Susan’s passion for gardening, landscaping, native plants, bird watching and environmental protection was driven by her love for everything outdoors.

An intimate gathering of friends and family was held at Susan’s home on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Florida Native Plant Society, PO Box 278, Melbourne, Fla. 32902 or the Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County, 2300 Fifth Ave., Suite 150, Vero Beach, Fla. 32960. The family has planted a live oak, along with a memorial plaque in Vero Beach’s Riverside Park, in celebration of her life.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be planned for summer 2011 in Freeland for her many friends and relatives on the West Coast.