Susan Joyce Aldana

Susan Joyce Aldana, was called home to Our Lord on December 26, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, at the age of 80. Born on November 9, 1944, in Wheatland, Wyoming, Susan lived a life imbued with faith, compassion, and artistry, dedicating her years to family and her beloved Roman Catholic Church and faith community.

A devoted wife of 64 years to Peter Aldana, Susan exemplified love and strength as the matriarch of a large and loving family. We celebrate a woman who embodied compassion, service, and an unshakeable faith. Susan loved to sing and worship Our Lord while playing her piano. She also loved cooking and spending endless hours in the summertime gardening with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

With her unwavering faith, Susan was a lively and passionate parishioner of St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne. Not only did she serve as a pillar of the community, but she also actively contributed to the spiritual growth of those around her. Alongside Peter, they founded the Sacred Heart prayer group and the Prayer Warriors prayer line.  As part of their Sacred Heart prayer group ministry, Susan and Peter traveled the state and country leading Life in the Spirit seminars and retreats.  The seminars were so fruitful they had the opportunity to partner with renowned speaker in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Linda Schubert author of Miracle Hour.  In 2004, Peter and Susan and the Sacred Heart Prayer Community received an Apostolic Blessing from Saint John Paul II.  She lovingly initiated the practice of the Divine Mercy and Eucharistic Adoration, instilling profound spiritual practices within her community.   She could often be found praying with strangers, friends, and family, sharing her knowledge of the Saints, gifting those around her with the Brown Scapular, and introducing people to the Blessed Mother and rosary.  These are a few demonstrations of her dedication to prayer and devotion.

Her artistic talents illuminated the cathedral, especially during the Christmas season, when she crafted the exquisite diorama of Bethlehem and the Nativity scene.  She co-produced and sang in Servants of His Heart Christmas album which was performed live at the Civic Center in the 1990's.  Her nurturing spirit was evident in her role as a Catechism teacher for students with special needs. She dedicated herself to establishing a women’s group within the parish as well.

Susan combined her interests, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit, owning a downtown shop, Aldana's Mexican Imports, where she sold authentic decor and home goods. She also had a booth at Cheyenne Frontier Days for several years. Her love for thrifting and garage sales carried with her dearest friends and family. 

She is survived by her husband Peter and their six children, Monica Galicia (Adam), Mathew Aldana (Denise), LeeAudra Macias, Yvette Fallon (Connor), and Damion Aldana (Allison). The joy she found in her family resonated through her 14 grandchildren—Michael, Sierra, Ariana, Justin, Danielle, Natalie, Raquel, Erik, Diana, Lauren, Logan, Nathan, Hailey, and Jenna—and 18 great-grandchildren. Susan’s legacy continues to thrive through these cherished loved ones whom she adored beyond measure.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Virginia Sanchez; her sisters, Christina Sanchez and Diana Espinosa; her treasured son, Michael Aldana; and her son-in-law, Salvador Macias. She leaves behind her loving sisters, Michelle Cano (Ruben), Frances Frost (Wes), and Nazarena Schell (Ron), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren who will carry forward her spirit of love and faith.

As we reflect on the life of Susan Joyce Aldana, her merriment, strong will, and charisma will echo in the hearts of all who loved her. Susan’s kind heart and infectious laughter left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to cross her path. May she forever rest in the loving embrace of Our Lord, surrounded by the everlasting light of His love.

The service to honor Susan’s life will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne on Friday January 10th at 11am. A Rosary will be prayed in the church the night before at 7:00 PM. Reception to follow at American Legion Post 6; 2001 E. Lincolnway, Cheyenne WY 82001.