Sue Ann Wilms

Sue Ann Wilms, 86, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at Frederick Health Hospital.

Born on January 15, 1940, in Akron, Iowa, Sue Ann was the daughter of Chester and Naomi Mason. She lived a life defined by compassion, service, and an unwavering devotion to family.

Sue Ann dedicated her professional life to nursing, serving as a Registered Nurse for decades. Throughout her career, she cared for patients in a variety of settings, from emergency medicine to elder care. Nursing was more than a profession for Sue Ann—it was a calling, and she touched countless lives through her skill, kindness, and dedication.

Together with her beloved husband, Heinz G. Wilms, Sue Ann opened her home and heart to more than fifty medically challenged foster infants, providing them with love, stability, and the best possible start in life. This remarkable commitment to caring for others was one of her life’s greatest accomplishments.

Sue Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband and soulmate, Heinz G. Wilms, and by her son, Matt “Redd” Wilms, who passed away on June 9, 2023—almost to the very minute three years before his mother.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Renn (Mark) and Ann Tyler (Daryl); her daughter-in-law, Michelle Wilms; her grandchildren, Monica Bush (Robert), Sydney Panther (Jack), Brady Tyler (Erin Segal), Logan Wilms (Tyde Faber), Evan Johnson (Anna), Kaily Johnson (Jared Nenno), Jordyn Eckard (Justin), Andrew Renn (Megan Stevens); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Carlie and Levi Bush, Violet and Magnolia Panther, and Jaycie Eckard.

She is also survived by her sister, Marcia Benna (Burt), along with many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Later in life, Sue Ann reconnected with her childhood sweetheart, Cliff Whitaker, a relationship that brought her tremendous joy through his love and companionship. She often joked that they were not boyfriend and girlfriend—“that’s weird when you’re 80,” she would say instead they were “book ends” as they are there for the beginning and the end.

Outside of her professional and family life, Sue Ann enjoyed many interests. She was an avid bridge player, a talented knitter, and an exceptional seamstress. She was a proud member of P.E.O. and valued the friendships she developed along the way.

In her later years, Sue Ann made her home at Spring Arbor Senior Living, where she developed many close friendships and embraced the active social life of the community. Her warmth, humor, and caring nature endeared her to residents and staff alike.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Cremation services handled by Keeney and Basford. A memorial service will be held on Sunday June 28, 2026 at 1:30 pm at Spring Arbor Senior Living 6601 English Muffin Way Frederick Maryland 21704

Memorial contributions can be made to Frederick County 4H or Akron Iowa Historical Society.