Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

from the drafting board to Senior Tech Writer. She also obtained an Associate Degree in Mid-Management and Warehousing, was a volunteer for non-profits, a sports official in various disciplines and classifications, became a certified SCUBA diver, and, when dating a cross-country truck driver, learned to drive a semi truck. In 1986, Sue moved to Memphis when her employer sold to a local company, Layne Pumps. While she continued to develop and work in the field of drafting, she maintained a vigorous schedule with part- time work, caring for her 12-year-old nephew as well as continuing her sports officiating and volunteering for her many interests. Sue’s 20-year employment with Layne ended when they sold their business back to the previous owner, Layne and Bowler, which had relocated in Illinois. Sue chose to remain in Memphis. Needless to say, with her qualifications, she had no difficulty finding employment with similar companies which offered new opportunities. A by- product was learning a new skill–how to operate several different- sized forklifts! In 1999, her employer, International Paper, offered her a retirement package which she accepted. At age 45 and needing to re-invent herself, Sue returned to school to become a certified Life and Health Insurance Agent. “As a Broker, I was required to re-certify each year through AHIP, the national association representing the health insurance industry. I had to re-test for each company and for each of their individual products,” states Sue. “I enjoyed helping Medicare recipients to understand and select their health coverage. I stayed busy as a licensed Broker.” During this time, Sue also became the caretaker for her mother who passed away in 2015. In 2023, following an injury and surgery to her left wrist and arm, Sue decreased her work schedule. She made the decision to retire in 2024 from her 54 years of corporate work. It did not take much discussion for Sue’s friends to convince her that living alone was not the best option for her–especially after turning a riding mower over while mowing. In January 2025, Sue met a representative of Kirby Pines at a Senior Expo. She reviewed the options with friends and her financial advisor. The decision came easily, and Sue moved into a Garden Home in May 2025. Sue loves to travel. She has been on several cruises and plans to do more travel. Even in retirement, she keeps a busy schedule. Sue enjoys theater and during the season, sees several plays each week. She takes art classes at various locations including Brooks Museum and Creative Aging. She continues to volunteer when time permits and is involved with several activities since moving to Kirby. “Moving to Kirby Pines was the right decision for me,” acknowledges Sue. “I have just what I need–more to do! And, the residents here are great.” Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines The Pinecone | March 2026 • 7 • Sue Binnie has the distinction of paving the road for women into the professional work of drafting and sports officiating which were once considered for men only. She has also acquired and utilized those skills necessary to engage in a vocation which few people would attempt– medical insurance management. Sue has spent her professional life in those essential and basic activities which are fundamental to our quality of life. Frances Sue Binnie was born in Covina, California, in 1954. She was the oldest of three girls, all born within two and one-half years following their parents’ marriage. Sue says she was born into a “hard working, middle class family” and both parents worked outside the home. Sue’s parents always supported her in her educational and personal choices. Sue excelled in school, attending public schools in Covina until graduation from high school in 1972. She was academically at the top of her class with pre-vocational preparation in Medical Drafting. “I was so busy I was seldom home,” remembers Sue. “I took extra-curricular courses such as band and drafting, and I was active in sports. Keeping a busy schedule and maintaining my interests have been a constant with me through the years!” On graduating from high school, a friend jokingly offered Sue a position as an attendant at a self-serving gas station, which she accepted. “For a 17 year old, the pay and schedule were good,” remembers Sue. However, Sue’s interest in drafting remained, and through the encouragement of family and her friend, Diane, Sue began plans to pursue it. In 1972, the fields of engineering and drafting were closed to women. Her first interview for a position in drafting was arranged. “Needless to say,” recalls Sue, “I did not get the job. The interviewer ‘short-circuited’ my interview by eliminating the usual Q&A as well as declining to review my portfolio. Determined, I accepted a second interview with Layne & Bowler Pump Company located in the City of Industry, California. At that interview, I was asked if I planned to marry and have children. I said ‘no’ and received an offer. I learned later that the interviewer was impressed with my portfolio and was looking to place a woman in his engineering department. I was in the right place at the right time!” Drafting is the initial work to draw, either on a “drafting board” or using software, to convert the designs into technical drawings necessary to produce a product. During her 13 years with L&B, Sue was promoted F O R G I N G T H E P A T H WA Y Resident Spotlight: Sue Binnie Sue (center) & Family