Keller, OP, Sister Susan (the former Sister Lee Ann) of Grand Rapids (born in Alpena, MI) died on July 18, 2017. She was 70 years old and a Dominican Sister for 51 years.
Sister Susan received a B.A. in sociology from Aquinas College and an M.A. in elementary administration from Central Michigan University.
Over the years Sister Susan had several ministries. She first served as an elementary teacher at St. Andrew, St. Stephen and St. Thomas in Grand Rapids; St. Josaphat and Sacred Heart in Saginaw; St. Joseph, West Branch; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chesaning and as principal/teacher at St. Joseph, Pewamo.
Next Sister Susan served as supervisor of housekeeping and then as director of pastoral/social servicesat Villa Elizabeth Nursing Home. She then became program coordinator for Home of Hope, a collaborative effort of Hope Network, Hospice, and GRACE, with a mission to bring hope and care to terminally ill patients without primary caregivers at home.
Sister Susan served as Minister of Pastoral Services at St. Pius X Parish in Grandville for eight years and then as outreach advocate for the Dominican Sisters at Marywood and on the missions. She loved working with people and her philosophy was to live each day to the fullest.
Sister Susan is survived by cousins; many friends and members of her Dominican Community.
Sister Susan will repose at Dominican Chapel/Marywood, 2025 Fulton Street East, with visitation on Wednesday, July 19 from 4:00-7:00 pm, followed by a Remembering Service at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am on Thursday, July 20 at Dominican Chapel/Marywood. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Susan Keller’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Health Care Fund.