Friends Mourn Woman Found Killed In Her North Mpls. Home
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Friends are mourning the loss of a woman who dedicated her life to helping others.
Police found the body of 68-year-old community activist and prominent artist Susan Spiller Thursday. They believe someone broke into Spiller's home and killed her.
Police haven't released any information about any potential suspects, but while they continue investigating, friends of Spiller are seeking answers.
"She believed in the neighborhood," Lind-Bohanon Neighborhood Association chairwoman Ann Moe said. "This neighborhood used to be the greatest little neighborhood."
Jean Beales said she met Spiller four years ago at the Brooklyn Center Swimming Pool, and their friendship only grew stronger over the years.
"Susan was a lap swimmer," Beales said.
Beales, who is battling stage four lung cancer, said Spiller was always a big supporter who made her smile. Holding back tears, Beales said she especially loved going to her friend's bold, vibrant colored house because it made her happy.
"She always would check in with me either texting or with phone calls after my appointments or any medicine changes," Beales said. "I'm going to really miss her because she was in my corner."
Beales said every Thursday she would meet Spiller at North Mississippi Park to walk and talk. She said Spiller had a 1-year-old grandson and he would be there as well.
"I would always try to find books that would be appropriate for his age and bring them over," Beales said. "We would always read to her grandson."
She never heard from her friend this Thursday, but never imagined her death as being the reason why she would miss their weekly friendship dates.
Spiller was on the board of a neighborhood association on Minneapolis' North Side. She also spent time volunteering for a greyhound rescue group.
"She didn't just talk about making a difference, she made a difference," said Beales.
When asked if there's anything she wants the community to know about her friend, Beales replied, "She didn't deserve this."
The neighborhood association and members of the artist community are gathering Friday night to talk about Spiller. They hope to carry on her work in her honor.
"I don't know who did this or why," Moe said. "This doesn't happen in our neighborhood and we're not going to let it happen again."
Police have not released any details about leads or a suspect.
