| Graduation Year | Class of 1951 |
| Date of Birth | Apr 13, 1933 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 17, 2021 |
| About | Suzanne LaBlance, aged 87, died peacefully on March 17, 2021 at home in Harbor Springs, surrounded by her loving family. Suzanne was born April 13, 1933 in Charlevoix, Michigan, the daughter of George and Laura (Sendenburgh) LaBlance. Suzanne graduated from Charlevoix High School. After marrying and having 7 children, she attended North Central Michigan College where she earned a degree as a Registered Nurse. She worked as a nurse at Charlevoix Hospital, as well as Lockwood McDonald Hospital in Petoskey for many years; and finished her career in nursing at Little Traverse Hospital in Petoskey, now known as McLaren Northern Michigan. She was known for her extensive knowledge and passionate care, along with her light-heartedness and desire to make the bad days better for her patients and their families. Suzanne was also known to dress up in various costumes to bring smiles and joy to her patients at the infusion center. Upon retirement, at age 62, she became a volunteer nurse for Hospice, being a compassionate support to patients and families in her care for 8 years. Suzanne is a member of Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Petoskey, and for 15 years, always looked forward to her weekly time in the Adoration Chapel, where she spent quiet hours being a prayer warrior for her family, church family, community, and the world. She also enjoyed meeting new people while she volunteered her time, stocking shelves at Brother Dan's Pantry. Suzanne was also an avid golfer on four different golf leagues and served as Secretary on two of them, until she was 78 years of age. Another passion of Suzanne's was square dancing. She joined the Buttons and Bows Square Dance Club in Traverse City and danced her way across northern Michigan at square dancing contests, parades, and charitable events. Suzanne also enjoyed being active in cross-country skiing, bridge card games with her girlfriends, and played weekly with her daughters for decades. One of her very favorite events was the annual LaBlance Family Reunion on Beaver Island that took place every summer for many years. A big reason it was her favorite event was that she would gather all the young children in the family to create a skit, or dance show on a stage. She loved to see the joy on their faces as they followed her lead in entertaining the audience with their performance...and every time they received a standing ovation. Wherever she worked or volunteered she made many life-long friends who have been a great support to her and all of whom she loved dearly. Suzanne lived an exemplary life, loving, caring, and sacrificing for others. Even with 7 children to take care of daily, she found it easy to invite those in need into her home, who may have otherwise been alone for the holidays; and she openly invited a young, orphaned boy into her home and family to care for him and love him as she would any of her own children. Suzanne is preceded in death by her parents George and Laura LaBlance, her daughter, Suzanne (Tim) Wilson, and 7 siblings, George, Emerald, Lawrence, Eberdine, Mildred, Mary, and Theresa. She is survived by her children Laura Tucker, Karen Martin, Patrick (Cynthia) Martin, Barbara Martin, Michael (Tammie) Martin, and Frances Martin. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who dearly loved her. The memorial service will be later this summer, details to follow. Friends and family wishing to make a charitable donation in memory of Suzanne are asked to please consider Brother Dan's Food Pantry (415 State St, Petoskey, MI 49770). The LaBlance family is being served by Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey. |
