Susan C. Brown (Formerly Susan (Haft) McKay) age 71, of Newaygo, died,
Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan. Through
her battle with cancer she remained loving, positive and compassionate to all.
She will be remembered for her humor, her beautiful contagious smile and her
gift of music (Piano, Organ and Hammered Dulcimer). In 1990 she married her best
friend and soul mate Gilbert Brown of Newaygo, MI. For over 17 years they
traveled, worshiped, camped, fished, built a house, tended gardens & orchards,
canned fruit, made maple syrup, canoed, soaked in the hot tub, laughed with
friends, walked in the woods, watched deer birds and grilled steaks on cherry
wood fires together.
To her children she was simply “The best Mom anyone could have” who had a special love for making Christmas special and unique for everyone. She was known for her productive creative spells- always with a project (beautiful quilts, needlework, scrapbooks, sweaters & caps). If she didn’t have a project going she always had one for Gil’s “honey Do” list.
Susan was born June 18th, 1936 in Saginaw, Michigan. She was a graduate of Arthur Hill Class of 1954. She worked at 2nd National bank, Michigan Sugar Co, Clio Comm. Church of God and as an Administrative Secretary for Mt. Morris Schools. She was an accomplished organist and choir director for St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Newaygo, MI.
She is survived by her husband Gilbert Brown, her children Alan & wife Penny McKay of Owosso, Sherri & husband Kevin Cook of Charlotte, NC, Rick & wife Nanda Brown of Linden, Paula & husband Michael MacMillan of Fenton, Grandchildren Kevin, Karen (Brown) Lee & husband Chris, Kurt, A.J. and Falesha. Great Grandson Gregory Brown and a special niece Beverly (Haft) Acha & husband Mike, her brother Harry & wife Elma Haft of Manassas, VA, many in-laws, cousins, nieces & nephews & many more beloved friends and family members throughout Michigan and the Newaygo community. She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Susie (Hawkins) Haft, beloved brother (Dan Haft) & sister in law/Camping buddy Colleen (Moore) Haft.
We would like to thank the many friends and family that have sent cards, called, dropped by, offered a story a smile and a hug. A special thank you to St. Bart’s parish, the choir, the Cronk family, the Nancy’s & her many friends and the old house “River Rat Pack” for a lifetime of friendship & laughs. She leaves this world a better place because she was in it. God be with you till we meet again.
Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM from the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Newaygo on Monday, February 11, 2008 with Father Tom Boufford as Celebrant with a luncheon following in the family center at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. Visitation will be held 2-5 PM Sunday with a Vigil at 5:00 PM at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. For Memorials please consider the St. Bartholomew Parish Foundation Fund and/or Charity of your choice. Please sign the online guest book at www.mckinleyfuneral.com.
- The Crothers Family - Las Vegas Nevada
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 02:01:46
To Gil, Sheri and Alan, We are thinking of all of you and are so saddened by your loss and our loss as a family. How fortunate we are to have been touched by Sue's goodness and generous loving spirit. With our sincere love and condolences. Uncle Bob, Aunt Babe, Cousins Renee and Michelle
- Nancy (Sullivan) Joley
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 07:42:07
My heartfelt condolences go out to Sue's family - especially husband Gil, daughter Sherri, son Alan, and granddaughter Falesha. Sue was one of the most unique and special persons that I had the privilege to be friends with. She was fun-loving in a very warm & sweet way. There wasn't a mean bone in her body. She showered love on friends and family without reserve - and was loved unconditionally in return. I remember sharing some great times with Sue when we worked together in Mt. Morris and were both single moms. And one of my special memories is when Sue came to visit me for a week at my lakeside home in Fremont after I moved away from Mt. Morris to take on a new job. She got reacquainted with Gil during that week - which led to her future life and companionship with him - and brought her to the Newaygo area. I was so happy for Sue, and it was so nice that our friendship could continue with her now being nearby. Sue will be dearly missed, but she has left indelible impressions on all those who were close to her. Goodbye, Sue, my "sister" and my friend. I love you and know that you are at peace with God in heaven. Nancy
- Nancy (Sullivan) Joley
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 07:42:36
My heartfelt condolences go out to Sue's family - especially husband Gil, daughter Sherri, son Alan, and granddaughter Falesha. Sue was one of the most unique and special persons that I had the privilege to be friends with. She was fun-loving in a very warm & sweet way. There wasn't a mean bone in her body. She showered love on friends and family without reserve - and was loved unconditionally in return. I remember sharing some great times with Sue when we worked together in Mt. Morris and were both single moms. And one of my special memories is when Sue came to visit me for a week at my lakeside home in Fremont after I moved away from Mt. Morris to take on a new job. She got reacquainted with Gil during that week - which led to her future life and companionship with him - and brought her to the Newaygo area. I was so happy for Sue, and it was so nice that our friendship could continue with her now being nearby. Sue will be dearly missed, but she has left indelible impressions on all those who were close to her. Goodbye, Sue, my "sister" and my friend. I love you and know that you are at peace with God in heaven. Nancy
- Mary Doak
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 07:48:40
To Gil, Sherri, Alan, and the rest of the family I give you my deepest sympathies. I will miss Sue. I will cherish the times I spent with both Sue and Gil at their home. She was a wonderful friend, mentor and supporter. I am blessed for having her in my life. I look forward to seeing her in heaven. Love Mary Doak
- william martin
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 08:12:04
- Robert Walling/Aric Watts
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 10:46:01
Sherri You are in our thoughts and prayers! Your mother was such a special woman. She does truly leave this world a better place. You can rest assured that our beautiful Matthew was there to welcome her into eternity and will no doubt be giving her the "grand" tour! We love you and miss you! Please call if you neen anything at all! Your friends Rob and Aric
- Paula (Shook)LeGrow
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 11:20:49
Sherri, just writing to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers so saddened by the lost of your mom will always remember her. Paula LeGrow
- Christine Teachout
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 11:52:43
Sherri and Alan Thinking of you during your loss and the many memories we will always have of your mother. Take care.
- Lynn L. Lebeck
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 12:20:15
Sherri- On behalf of the Flint Scottish Pipe Band Family please accept our condolences on the passing of your Mom. She must have been a very special lady to have raised a wonderful daughter! Sincerely- Lynn
- Arline McKay
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 17:07:49
Condolences to Sherri, Alan, and the rest of Susan's extended family. Arline McKay, Unionville, MI Terry McKay, Unionville, MI Wayne & Jeanette McKay, Unionville, MI
- Karen (Brown) Lee
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 17:27:57
I will always remember the canoe trip that we took when I was younger and how much fun it was to have someone like that in my life. I will never forget the times that I spent with her and Grandpa doing different things like going to Michigan Adventures and spending all the time riding rides and just enjoying life. I hope that now Grandma is with the lord and enjoying life without being in any pain anymore. Just remember that she is never gone just looking over all of us.
- Judy and Tom Kovarik
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 19:43:30
Thinking of all of you, so sorry about your wife and mother's passing, I know she is with the Angel's, because she has been blessed with her wonderful special way's about her, well be there soon, love and hug's Tom and Judy....... xoxoxox
- Michael & Terrie Cook - Springtown TX
- Friday February 08, 2008
- 19:52:42
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." - Cherokee proverb Our sincerest condolences to the family.
- Margaret Fox
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 08:46:16
For the loss of a great woman, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sherri adored her mother and had the highest most respect for her. She will be missed by many.
- Catherine Block Silas
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 08:59:46
With happy memories of a favorite cousin I send love to her immediate family. Susan will be greatly missed by her family and her community. As young girls we spent many happy times together including my wedding in 1953 where she was a bridesmaid. She was always a lady and shared her love and talents graciously.
- Michael Sheridan
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 09:23:10
My condolences to Sherri, Alan and everyone in Sue's family on your loss. Though I didn't see her more than a couple of times in recent years, my mom, Nancy, spoke often of her, so I know she was a special friend. She will be missed.
- Don & Denise
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 09:37:39
We are both very sorry to hear of your loss. I can't imagine how difficult it is to lose such a great mother. Our thoughts & prayers will be with you...
- Colleen
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 10:39:41
Sherri I am truly sorry for your loss. Now she will be watching over you and Smiling because of the Special Daughter you are.
- Pat & Shirl
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 12:18:11
Dearest Gil, Sherri, & Alan, Sue was a special person....Our hearts go out to you as we say good bye to a woman who will be greatly missed.......Until we meet again... In sympathy and love, Shirley & Pat
- Bruce & Terri Haft - Glendale, CA
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 12:26:12
Aunt Susan was always a special person in my heart. Terri always looked forward to the start of EVERY Christmas season waiting for a unique special card from Susan. It was wonderful to get to see her again and to meet Gil at Dad's 80th. Our prayers are with Gil, Sheri, Alan and the rest of your extended family.
- Kevin and Cooper
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 14:16:25
Gil, When I think of Sue only smiles, pleasent memeories and of course 5'oclock come to mind. We will miss her very very much. She was truely one of the kindest, gentelest souls I have ever known. I can picture her last visit with us as cooper sat next to her on the couch. I am sure she is looking down on us now and smiling. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sue will remain very much a part of our lives and in our thoughts and memories forever. Wish I could be there. Kevin and Coop.
- wanda lowthian
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 14:56:32
I was one of the lucky people to know Susan through her daughter, Sherri Cook. She would come visit Sherri{my neighbor before their move to N.C. and come and visit me also. I enjoyed the treat of their orchard and the apples were delicious. I like to consider myself Sherri's second MOm and am honored that she let's me be there for her. God Bless the entire family and I know their memories of Susan will be with them forever.
- Pamela and David Packman
- Saturday February 09, 2008
- 16:01:42
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Always remember her during those moments you thought to yourself or maybe told her out loud 'She/You is/are the best Mom ever'. She is physically gone but will always be with you.
- Chuck & Shirley Poll
- Sunday February 10, 2008
- 10:03:20
Gil, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sue and her family. We loved her so very much. We will always treasure the Cross Stitch Picture she made for us when we got married. It is hinging on our wall and will always be a daily reminder of Sue to us.
- Mike, Bev & Angela Acha
- Sunday February 10, 2008
- 13:37:07
To Uncle Gil, Alan and Sherri, family and friends - Soon time will allow us to replace sorrow with the many wonderful memories Aunt Susan left us all. She was an amazing woman who left us all better off for having known and loved her. For Aunt Susan - SLYT - yesterday, today, and always. You were very special and touched my heart and my life with your love, thoughtfulness and kindness for which I shall always be grateful.
- Darla & Don Stuart
- Sunday February 10, 2008
- 17:13:26
Our thoughts are with you Gil, we are sorry we can't be there. Darla Stuart Rockford Mi.
- Gerry and Ron Hollingsworth
- Sunday February 10, 2008
- 18:18:23
To Gil, Sherri, Alan and extended family and friends: We extend our sympathy at the loss of your wonderful wife, mother and friend. She was a treasure and we are extremely happy that we knew Susan all these years and shared many, many enjoyable times with all of you, and are deeply saddend by her passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Lila & Chuck Cripps
- Sunday February 10, 2008
- 22:08:23
Thank you, Gil, for marrying Sue and moving permanently to Newaygo. If it hadn't been for YOU, we would not have had the priviledge to have known Sue. She was, and you ARE such special people to us, our parish and the community. You and your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Lila & Chuck Cripps
- Sunday February 10, 2008
- 22:09:18
Thank you, Gil, for marrying Sue and moving permanently to Newaygo. If it hadn't been for YOU, we would not have had the priviledge to have known Sue. She was, and you ARE such special people to us, our parish and the community. You and your family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Heather Toporek
- Monday February 11, 2008
- 08:16:51
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with all of you. Sue was a great woman with many many great qualities... she always had a smile whenever you met her. Her memory will last forever. Sincerely, Heather Toporek
- BARBARA LEITGEB
- Monday February 11, 2008
- 10:39:09
DEAR SHERRI, I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS YOUR MOM SEEMS LIKE A VERY SPECIAL WOMAN I KNOW YOU WILL HAVE MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF HER TO CHERISH. YOU REFLECT HER BEAUTY AND LOVE OF LIFE. I MISS YOU AND OUR GROUP REMEMBER YOU HAVE A SISTER IN CHRIST IN MICHIGAN. LOVE YOU, BARB
- Botschka Family
- Wednesday February 13, 2008
- 14:20:01
On behalf of John, Pooja and myself we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Gil and family and know that she is at peace in Heaven with no more suffering and pain. Sorry we could not attend but with John's health condition we were unable to be there ..but was there in spirit and will always treasure all the wonderful music she blessed us with. Helen, John and Pooja Botschka
- Debbie (Sheridan) Gill
- Wednesday February 13, 2008
- 19:20:22
Sherri, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was such a sweet, loving person. My earliest memory of her is having her as our Brownie/Girl Scout leader back when we attended Pinehurst Elementary. Do you remember singing "Make new friends, but keep the old..." I still know all the words LOL! Your mom will always hold a special place in my heart, but mainly because she was such a dear friend to my mom. She was my mom's angel, her "rock", her "sister" and I will be forever thankful that she was close to my mom (physically) when I couldn't be. I can't imagine losing my mom and my heart goes out to you. Love, Debbie
- Jane Genten
- Thursday February 14, 2008
- 11:22:24
Sherri, I know you will miss your mom and have tons of loving memories of her. She lives on in you. We miss you in Charlotte and will be happy when you return. Love, Jane
- Denise Anderson
- Thursday February 14, 2008
- 11:25:06
To the family of Susan Brown. Sorry for your loss. I did not know your mom but sounds like the world is a better place because of her. Sherri, All of us at work are thinking of you in your time of need. You did a wonderful job with the write-up on your mother. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know.