Doctor Susan Andrea Schissler Manning, 81, died peacefully at home in Conifer on February 3, 2026.  She died after a short illness and long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Susan was the second child of Margaret Manning Schissler Schroepfer and Andrew Emory Schissler. Susan began her career as a mental health worker at Fort Logan MHC and ended it at the University of Denver School of Social work. She went from a GED to a PhD and became a full professor, later awarded Emerita status.

Susan had a big brain and a good heart. She loved her work, mountaineering, backpacking, traveling, nature and art. Susan was a bright light who remained positive through all the challenges of her life. She insisted on seeing what was right and good, and fought for social justice in everything she did.

She is survived by her spouse of 46 years, Colleen E (Kelly) Gaul, of Conifer,  her son, Robert Jay Cotton of Conifer, her daughter, Kelley C Zinge of Bailey, six grandchildren (Ashlie Cotton, Robert Dean Cotton (Lindsey Gilbert), Tanner J Cotton (Brittney), Lizzie Cotton, and Eleanor Lewis; three great grandchildren (Julian Gonzalez Cotton, Rowan Murphy, and Ellie Sue Cotton) sister, Linda B (Dieter) Heinrich of Grand Junction, Colorado, and  brother, Andrew P (Jan) Schissler of Littleton, Colorado. Susan is also survived by Christy McMahon, her beloved Bouvier, many friends in Colorado and Maine. She was preceded in death by her sons Randy and Frank Cotton.

What is left of us is love.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Denver School of Social Work or Mount Evans Home Health and Hospice, Evergreen, Colorado; angels on this earth, in her name.

A memorial service will be held Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00am at Lady of the Pines Church, 9444 Eagle Cliff Rd, Conifer, CO 80433  with reception to follow.