http://66.225.205.104/LM20100616.mp3
Longtime city councilwoman Susan Burgess died this morning. It was the end of a three year bout with cancer. Up until a few months ago, Burgess was the picture of good health. She rarely missed a council meeting. She returned phone calls promptly and made her rounds of community meetings. It was easy to forget three years ago doctors diagnosed her with colorectal cancer and that she fit chemotherapy sessions into her busy schedule. Close friends like Mary Hopper who were in the know marveled at her energy. "She didn't let it slow her down. Even when she in early May said she would be slowing down we thought, 'Well Susan slowing down is about like normal people,'" says Hopper. Although Burgess looked weak for the past two months, she continued to attend council meetings and she did not sit on the sidelines. Burgess took a leading role in one of the most sensitive matters to face council. Just a few days before she announced she was receiving Hospice Care, she asked council to censure council member Warren Turner over allegations he sexually harassed city employees. Last week Burgess finally decided to step down as Mayor Pro Tem. She came to the meeting in a wheelchair and bid farewell. "I love my city and its people and it's been an honor for me to represent them. I treasure the support and encouragement I've received from so many people in Charlotte," said Burgess. Hopper says knowing Burgess that push to be involved right to the end made complete sense. Burgess was first elected to city council in 1999. She took a break in 2001 to run for mayor. Two years later she was elected back to city council. Burgess also served on the school board for eight years. She was 64.