Sue Ellen Heim passed away peacefully on February 5, 2022, at the family cabin in rural Galena, IL with her family by her side.  She was born on June 26, 1955, in Dubuque, IA the daughter of Harry B. Smith and Frances Genevieve.  Sue attended Galena Central and graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1973.  She was an enthusiastic Petey Pirate. Sue received her bachelor’s in mathematics from the University of New Mexico where she was also first chair trumpet.  She then went on to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Sue received numerous academic accolades throughout her educational journey.  She was united in marriage on June 21, 1983, to James R. Heim of Galena.  They were together for 38 years and raised three sons. She started her career at Amcore bank and then went to Fidelity Investments where she was a computer programmer for 30 years until her retirement. Sue was an amazing, kind, and caring person.  She had many interests and hobbies including reading, dancing, camping, fishing, Cubs baseball, and playing music. Her favorite instruments included trumpet, guitar, piano, and the bongos. Sue leaves behind her husband and three sons; Wesley Heim of Dubuque, IA, Jeffrey Heim of Galena, IL, and Andrew (Janet) Heim of Red Granite, WI, two grandchildren whom she loved spending time with, Makayla and Andrew Jr. Heim and one sister, Doris Ann (Dave) Fenderson of Le Mars, IA, a brother, Rick Smith of Albuquerque, NM, and a sister-in-law, Marge Smith Clark, of Apple River IL, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Steve Smith. The family will be having a celebration of life at a later date in Pilot Knob Cemetery, rural Galena. Cremation rites have been accorded.  The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Elizabeth Gullone, Dr. Arshad Shaikh of Ferguson Cancer Center, Freeport, IL, and Hospice of Dubuque. We greatly appreciate your sympathy in our time of loss.