Suzanne S. Sumner

Suzanne Sullivan Sumner, age 86, went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, December 2, 2017. She was born in Battle Creek to Ralph and Maxine Sullivan. Suzanne was a graduate of Denison University and Katharine Gibbs School in Boston. After a short stint working in San Francisco, she returned to Battle Creek and in 1958, she married the love of her life, James Packard Sumner.

The couple shared three wonderful children – two daughters and a son. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, and in her spare time, enjoyed playing tennis and bridge, swimming, reading, needlework, and travel – especially to Hawaii! Suzanne was a member of the First Congregational Church and the PEO Sisterhood, and volunteered in various capacities in the community.

She is survived by her daughters Patty (Dave) Hagan, Sara (Mark) Smith, and son Jim (Lisa) Sumner, seven beautiful grandchildren (Kevin, Michael, Dan, Ryan, Shannon, Elizabeth and Laura), her sister, Pat Korest and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek, with visitation beginning one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her honor may be made to the First Congregational Church or Binder Park Zoo.