Memorial fund for Sweet Susan Lay (Susie)

My name is Tysha Calhoun. I met, came to know and love Susie via the Gaslight Baker Theatre in Lockhart, where she grew up and where she has been a beloved member of the local theatre family since childhood. She was confirmed at Grace Lutheran church- and there is even a photo of her in the children's production at the (at the time) Lockhart Community Theatre. At the Gaslight Baker Theatre, she is most fondly known as the "Theatre Fairie" and infamous for taking care of the cast and crew- like leaving amazingly touching and sweet notes for the actors during production times, She also helped to keep a historical building clean- and a community theatre organized (which is no small task). She was a lover of cats, and people have wondered through the years if she might not be part cat due to her ability to gain the trust of even the most feral toms imaginable. They could see her- and they could sense that she could see them-and she'd gain their trust.

It was beautiful to watch in action.

Susie passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 27th. There will be a memorial service at the Gaslight Baker Theatre 10/05/21 at 6PM (216 S. Main St, Lockhart). The following Wednesday, 10/06/21 at 1PM, a graveside service will be held at the Luling City Cemetary in Luling.

This fund is being established to help honor her memory and provide assistance with funeral and burial expenses.

Her gentle heart, sweet spirit, infectious laughter, and joy will be sorely missed. Brent White has been Susie's companion for over 30 years. Please keep him in your thoughts in the days and weeks going forward.

Any and all donations are gratefully appreciated.

Susie wrote this poem last year, and it absolutely captures her essence:

I Know His Touch

I know, the sunsets

I know, the moonrises

I know all the stars

I know the sight of a heart shaped rock

I know the rainbow that I asked for

I know the promise that it contains

My hands know the feel of a new birth

My hands know death, and the feel of the last breath taken

I know complete darkness

I know the pain

I know, curled up in a corner unable to move for two days

I know the touch of His hands as they pick me up

I know the peace given so I can walk again

I know His touch

I know the touch of His hands as they pick my head up. I know His touch as He wrapped His hands around my heart and replaced the darkness with His light.

I know His touch

Making all the pain go away

I know the time was given

The situation created

To give me one more day with you

I know the peace and calmness He gave me as I lie for 12 days in a hospital bed

I know His touch

I know His wind, as it moved me out of danger

I know the wind of His angel as she whispered in my ear - He is proud of you-

I know the strength of his hands as they hold me back and keep me away from evil

I know His grace and his beauty as it brought me to my knees

I know His touch as He told me He was here

It was just a glance

As he wrapped his hands around my heart and filled it with love

I know his touch