Susan Jenne Knoppe, Rn

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sue on February 20, 2019. After a long illness, she passed away peacefully while holding her daughters’ hands and surrounded by loved ones.

Sue was born on May 16, 1946, in Lyndhurst Ohio, to the late Paul and Doris Jenne. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Knoppe.

Sue is survived by her daughters Jenne (Jason) Clapp, Karri (Michael) Hajec, stepson John (Kathy) Knoppe, brothers Paul (Linda) Jenne, and Bill (Marianne) Jenne, former husband John (Mary) Appleson, and grandchildren Luke, Cole, Hayden, Alex, and Samantha.

Sue enjoyed sewing, kitting, crafting, reading, and dancing. She wanted to be a nurse since she was a little girl and was very passionate and dedicated to the profession for fifty years. Sue received her nursing degree from Huron Road School of Nursing and her bachelor’s degree in Health Services Management from

Ursuline College

.

She accomplished much in her professional career: she was instrumental in helping to establish an in vitro fertilization program at

Mt. Sinai Medical Center

that resulted in Ohio’s first IVF birth in 1983, and the world’s first IVF/surrogate birth in 1986; she helped to care for the first heart transplant patient at the Cleveland Clinic; she also trained many doctors on suturing techniques for microsurgery; and wrote many policies while at the Cleveland Clinic some of which are still being followed today.

The family would like to thank the staff at

Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital

for the wonderful care and support they gave to Sue and her family during a difficult time.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating blood in memory of Sue.

Family and friends whose lives were touched by Sue are invited to a celebration of life on March 9, 2019, at 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm at 16725 Victoria Drive, Chagrin Falls, OH. Email jenne543@msn.com with questions regarding Sue’s life celebration.