Fifteen years ago, The Connection featured a story on nonprofit, A Sanctuary Center, that remarkable built-from-ground-up refuge at the corner of Wolfensberger Road and State Highway 105 in Sedalia. Moved by their compassion, The Village residents Sue and Jack Pfeiffer offered temporary housing for those with troubled hearts and seeking solitude in overcoming losses and grief.

Jack moved on to the heavens last year. Sue carries on courageously, refining her goals, life and ramping up her full-bore enthusiasm. Sue is of a breed who, when she sees a need, carves out a plan to meet it, then jumping in with both feet. A professional volunteer, if there is such a thing.

Raised in New York City, Sue’s roots go back to the Mayflower. Her forbearers prospered in the city banking industry and her childhood was a comfortable one. It may well have been her understanding of that special advantage that made her empathetic to the needs of others less fortunate.

Early on, Sue was transfixed by all forms of music and art. Volunteering in fourth grade, she taught her own kind of passionate appreciation to impressionable children. Equally early, she was drawn by a fascination with spirituality and philosophy. She admired quiet performers who were world changers. Mahatma Ghandi was one of her great heroes.

After college in California, Sue encountered Edward “Ned” Pfeiffer and married into the family. Their marriage was blissful, but short-lived, as he passed away unexpectedly. Her radiance and kindness were not lost on Ned’s brother Jack, and they would marry several years later. In the process, both discovered that religion is, at its core, anything but flexible. Growing together, they concluded spirituality could flourish better when open-ended and less judgmental.

Jack was a highly personable, successful trial lawyer living in Denver. This economic platform enabled Sue to reinvigorate her volunteer work.

One remarkable thrust was her “We Can” campaign at Denver’s Manual High School. Thinking out of the box, Sue initiated a program involving freshman parents at multiple organizational levels. Highly regarded by all participants, the concept of support integration was especially effective, even revolutionary, making for an uncommon cohesion among all stakeholders and resulting in better grades for students.

An enthusiastic member of Denver’s Junior League, on assignment for an upcoming cookbook, Sue and team members were to assemble fish recipes for consideration. That group became known as the “Fish Testers.” Sole recipes predominating the offerings, they also were called the “Sole Sisters.”

Family was always incredibly important and the Pfeiffers today remain a very close-knit group. So much so that the well-attended Christmas holiday is known as Christmas Camp. Nothing gives Sue greater pleasure than expounding on her many children and grandchildren, and feting them whenever possible.

Those who embrace life with gusto showcase a gratitude for their good fortune and selflessness, very often putting others before themselves. Few exemplify these traits like Sue. Her life motto is “walk, read, reflect and renew.” This ties back to A Sanctuary Center. Consider visiting that special place sometime soon. One does not have to suffer to appreciate it.

Should your heart be moved or you wish to be involved in this remarkable endeavor, you too can pay it forward by contacting Info@ASanctuaryCenter.org.

By Joe Gschwendtner, photo courtesy of Sue Pfeiffer