Susan Leigh Medina, 79, of Galesburg, died at 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, in OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, with her daughters by her side.
She was born August 15, 1946, in Galesburg, the daughter of Fred W. and Dorothy Irene (Bayless) Nyman. She married John “Juan” Medina in 1973. They later divorced but remains friends until the time of his death.
She is survived by her daughters, Andrea Leigh Medina and Elizabeth Irene Medina, both of Galesburg; brothers, Peter (Karen) Nyman of Rock Island and Rodney A. Nyman of Galesburg; a sister, Mary Linnea (John) Hubrick of Madison, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother, Rodney James Nyman.
Susan was raised and educated in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1965, and later from Brown’s Business College. She held a variety of jobs over the years, most notably at Nyman’s Jewelers, Barash and Stoerzbach, and Bergner’s. Her family was active in Trinity Lutheran Church when she was young.
Susan was very creative. She enjoyed cooking and sewing and was passionate about knitting. She had a great love of animals.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Cat N Around Rescue, 758 E. First St., Galesburg, IL 61401. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
