Susan Lurine (Swett) O’Hare

Susan Lurine (Swett) O’Hare was born on May 19, 1959, in Ainsworth, NE to Fred and Sharon (Haszard) Swett. She died on November 27, 2023, at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett, NE after an awe-inspiring battle against cancer.

Sue was the oldest child in her family and grew up with her two brothers, Joe and Tom. She spent her formative years in the Sandhills and attended District 65 country school through eighth grade. She then attended Ainsworth High School, graduating with the Class of 1977. After graduation, Sue attended Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, NE from 1977 to 1979, receiving a diploma in dental assisting. She later moved to Lubbock, TX to pursue a different dream, but found herself drawn back to the good life. It was upon her return to Nebraska she was blessed with the gifts of love and motherhood. On July 7, 1984, Sue and Tod O’Hare were united in marriage. Shortly after, they moved to Lincoln, NE with their son, Colby.

During the time their family spent in Lincoln, Sue became interested in the cutting-edge world of computers. In 1989, she enrolled at Southeast Community College, pursuing a degree in Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services. This created an intense curiosity, and due to her ability to understand operating systems made Sue an asset in the IT industry. In 1990, she started working for Immigration Naturalization Services, earning a promotion that resulted in a move to Eagan, MN. Sue, Tod and Colby enjoyed their time up north, including hosting family and friends for visits to the Mall of America and Twins games.

In 1997, their family decided to move home to Ainsworth. Sue’s career continued to progress and she balanced trips to Washington, D.C. with working from home. Sue’s career was also marked by events that gripped the nation, including the Y2K transition from 1999 into 2000. In 2001, Sue was in lock down during the 9/11 attacks in Washington, D.C. and was unable to communicate her safety for days in the aftermath. In the years following, Sue’s work evolved and she began working in Immigration & Customs Enforcement beginning in 2006. From 2010 to 2015, Sue worked for the U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services before joining ASMR for a year. She later worked for the VA providing technical expertise in enterprise IT operations and support. Her colleagues regarded her highly for her technical and leadership abilities as reflected in her proven record of accomplishments. Sue decided to retire from the industry and worked at Madison’s Great Western in Ainsworth, but later, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to consult professionally at MITRE. In 2016, Sue became a grandmother to Hazel, which was certainly her proudest title.

When Sue was diagnosed with cancer the same year, she approached her diagnosis with bravery and curiosity, like a problem to be solved. She took control of anything and everything she could and fought for each minute with her beloved family. During this challenging season, she and Tod explored new cities together across the country, trying different restaurants and making wonderful memories despite her illness. In November of 2018, Sue and Tod traveled to Germany for a specialized cancer treatment, giving her an opportunity for more years with those she loved. She was deeply grateful to her outstanding medical professionals, and she was (no surprise) a favorite patient among the treatment care teams. Sue developed several friendships during this time and helped guide many others in their journey with cancer treatment.

Sue truly enjoyed her horses and was happiest riding at her barn. Sue and Tod made many trips to Texas to attend Clinton Anderson horse training events. Sue was a lover of animals, especially her loyal Labrador retrievers, and she will be missed by her cherished dogs, Oreo and Hootie. Spending time with her family relaxing at the lake was a favorite past-time. Later in Sue’s life, it was a blessing for Colby, Abby and Hazel to return to Ainsworth. She found great joy watching Hazel learn and grow. ‘Grammy’ Sue and Hazel’s most common and favorite past-times were running the dogs, “learning to” ride horses and of course, shopping.

Throughout Sue’s life, faith was a cornerstone, and her spiritual journey was a priority. As a child, Sue was a member of the Assembly of God Church. After she and Tod married, they attended and became members of the United Methodist Church. Recently, she was drawn to the Evangelical Free Church where she found fellowship and community.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Sharon; brother, Joseph Swett; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Ruth O’Hare; brother-in-law, Mike McNally; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Corby and Jan O’Hare.

She is survived by her husband, Tod; son, Colby (Abby) and granddaughter, Hazel; brother, Thomas (Christina) Swett; sister-in-law, Barbara (Bunny) (Jim) Ferguson; half-brother, Jim (Bev) McBride; brotherin- law, Doug (Linda) O’Hare; sister-in-law, Cindy McNally; sister-in-law, Becky O’Hare; stepfather, Donald Davison; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many family members and friends.

Funeral Services were held Friday, December 8, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in Ainsworth, officiated by Pastors Mike Eurit and Bruce Beebout. CD selections, “The Kiss” by Trevor Jones, “Still” by Hillary Scott and the Scott Family, “One Day I’ll Ride With You” by Steven Wood and “Blue Skies” by Willie Nelson were played. Casketbearers were Ronna Fritz, Dane Sears, JD O’Hare, Kendy Sears, Jeremy O’Hare, Scott O’Hare, Patrick O’Hare, Branden O’Hare and Alyx O’Hare. Honorary Casketbearers were All of her Professional Family. Interment followed in the Ainsworth Cemetery.

Memorials were suggested to the family for later designation or donor’s choice in Sue’s name.

Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.