At the young age of 69, Susan Louise VanDam, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, peacefully passed away and with arms wide open embraced her Savior, Jesus, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
Susan was born in Chicago, IL on October 15, 1954, and grew up in St. Joseph, MI. Even as a child, Susan had a servant’s heart, and her love and generosity was apparent to all who had the privilege to know her. After moving to Richland, MI, she met her husband Jeffrey and together, they built a loving family and shared many beautiful years of marriage.
Susan was a woman of strength, warmth, kindness, and sacrifice, always putting others first. Her love, selflessness and dedication to her family was evident in every aspect of her life and will carry on through the hearts of both friends and family.
Originally aspiring to be an elementary school teacher and having no interest in numbers, Susan embarked on what would become a highly successful career in finance at SPX Corporation, formerly Allen Testproducts of Allen Group. Her intelligence and business acumen quickly earned her recognition and respect, allowing her to advance the corporate ladder and gain both influence and esteem. Her remarkable achievements paved the way for her success at Interkal, where she continued to excel until retiring early at 58.
Susan was a prayerful woman whose compassion and kindness touched everyone she met. Her graceful presence and unwavering faith made her a living testament to the power of God's love. She was a faith-filled individual, always radiating warmth and understanding, and her life was a testament to her deep and abiding spirituality. Susan dedicated much of her time to various ministries within her church, using her experience in finance to assist with the church’s financial matters. She was actively involved in daily devotions and numerous Bible studies, consistently seeking to grow in her faith and inspire others to do the same.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband Jeff and their three children, Jennifer (and husband Chris) Matthews of Petoskey, MI, Ryan (and wife Natalie) Mauchmar of Raleigh, NC, and Emily (and husband Ryan) Joki of Carthage, MO, along with their fourteen grandchildren. From Jennifer, Noah VanderWall, Ahna (and husband Ben) Neideck, Noel VanderWall, and Jaden VanderWall. From Ryan, Aubrey, Makenna, Camden, Logan, and Delylah, and from Emily, Daniel, David, A. Ruth, Elijah, and Evelyn. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister Linda (and husband Donald) Hughes of Newbern, NC., and Michael (and wife Kimberly) Sarola of St. Joseph, MI.
Susan's legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to inspire and resonate with all who knew her. Her spirit of compassion and her unwavering dedication to helping others have left an indelible mark on the hearts of her family, friends, and community. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of sharing in her life, and her memory will be cherished by those who were touched by her warmth and selflessness.
A Celebration of Life service to honor Susan's life will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at gracespring Bible Church, in Richland, MI at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to gracespring Bible Church. Personal messages for Susan's family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Favorite Verse:
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Thursday, August 1, 2024
Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
gracespring Bible Church
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