Tracy, OP, Sister Susanne of Grand Rapids (born Susan Ann Truskowski in Detroit) died on June 29, 2016. She was 76 years old and a Dominican Sister for 56 years.
Sister Susanne completed her B.A. and M.A. at Aquinas College and also received a certificate in Religious Studies and two certificates in Clinical Pastoral Experience.
Her early years of ministry were in teaching at St. Francis, Traverse City; and Marywood Academy and St. Stephen’s, Grand Rapids. She served the Congregation as Vocation Director and Communications Director and ministered at Dominican Center. Sister Sue served in the parishes of St. James, Whittemore: St. Pius X, Hale and St. Francis of Assisi, Glennie in Northern Michigan and at the Catholic Shrine in Indian River.
She served for several years in Pastoral Care as a hospital chaplain in Toledo, Ohio and then continued her cherished ministry in chaplaincy at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids where she served as chaplain and was a much sought after public speaker from 2000-2015.
Sister Sue coped with cancer no fewer than six times in her life. In her journey with cancer, she was a model of courage and hope. An avid and prolific writer, Sister Sue kept a detailed calendar journal and she penned many articles and booklets. In her writing and speaking engagements, she often used humor as a means to cope with the pain, fatigue and fear that accompanies the diagnosis of cancer. Cancer did not define Sister Sue; it deepened her zeal and gratitude for life, which overflowed into inspiration for many.
Sister Sue summed up in four words how she wanted to invest her energies and be remembered after her death: LIVE, LEARN, LOVE, LAUGH. In tribute to her love of alliteration, we add that she did all FOUR to the FULLEST: in FAITH.
She is survived by her sisters Carol (Roger) Carr of Palmyra, Virginia; Janis Young of Maynard, Massachusetts and her sister-in-law Mary Ann Tracy of Kingsville, Ontario; nieces, a nephew; many friends and members of her Dominican Community.
Sister Sue will repose at Dominican Chapel/Marywood, 2025 Fulton Street East with visitation on Friday, July 1 from 1:00-7:00 p.m. with a Remembering Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 2 at Dominican Chapel/Marywood. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Susanne Tracy’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Health Care Fund.