Texas State’s viking goddess, Susie Mullen, who has been a shining light to the community and beacon of hope and love for others, is needing that love for herself now.
Mullen, known as “Miss Susie” by the Texas State community, was found unconscious in her home the morning of March 18. She was immediately placed in the intensive care unit at the Central Texas Medical Center but then later moved to hospice care on Wednesday.
According to Jeska Savage, a longtime friend of Miss Susie, Mullen was not one to share personal difficulties with others and tended to keep her tribulations hidden. However, she was constantly willing to serve as a sounding board and smiling face to anyone.
Savage said her health decline was sudden but expected.
“We think of her as the kindest, most compassionate rock you would ever try to push up a hill,” Savage said.
Savage reminisced over the memories she shared with Mullen among their group of friend. The group got closer around the time they all started to have children.
“We ran in small herds for many years,” Savage said. “Many, many group discounts. I remember going to the wave pool in Seguin and taking three minivans because that’s how many it took to get us all there.”
Savage said Mullen was on a ventilator throughout her time in the emergency room and ICU. However, Savage knew, after speaking with Mullen, it was not her wish to be kept on life support when the time came.
“We finally got a hold of her daughter in Massachusetts and she agreed to take her off life support,” Savage said. “Seeing as there wasn’t much brain activity, we followed her wishes. As hard as it is, she is an amazing force.”
There is no denying Mullen is among the most inspirational and giving people students have interacted with on campus.
When news broke Mullen was in the ICU, individuals within the community took to Twitter to express their thoughts and tell stories of the multiple ways Miss Susie has made an impact on them or the community with the trending hashtag #ThankYouMissSusie.
Lucero Ibarra, Texas State alumna, said Mullen was someone who shaped her experience at Texas State for the better.
“I’ll never forget our chat about art,” Ibarra said. “(Mullen) said she liked watercolors because of how, like life, it can be unpredictable but in the end, made something beautiful.”
If anyone could prove small acts of kindness have enormous effects, it was Mullen.
Mullen felt the most important part of her job at Chartwells was making sure students who went through her line left with a smile and knew somebody cared. If she happened to witness an upset or sad student, she would try to offer encouragement and follow up if she saw them again.
Mullen consistently had a love for helping the community and was very active in supporting the Hays County Food Bank.
Richard Lopez, director of sales at RiverCity Screenprinting and Embroidery, said when he heard the news of Mullen’s health, he wanted to make a custom viking goddess T-shirt representing her and the famous pigtails. All proceeds would be donated to the food bank.
“Susie is a huge part of the San Marcos community,” Lopez said. “She touched the lives of many students and faculty. She has a personality that is infectious and she would do anything for anyone. The amount of stories I have read the past few days is simply incredible.”
Students have visited her at Central Texas Medical Center over the weekend. In the past few days, hundreds of people have gathered to say their goodbyes and thank her for the love she has spread.
The T-shirts are available for preorder until March 27 for $15.95 and can be found on Rival 3 Sport’s website.