Susana Isabel (Veroni) Sickterman was born on July 29, 1938, in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Leon and Maria Luisa (Caria) Veroni. She spent part of her childhood in the mountains of Salta, Argentina, cared for by her paternal grandmother and aunt after the tragic loss of her young mother in 1942. Following her father’s remarriage to Anita Settipani, Susana was raised in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires during the Perón era. In October of 1960, Susana and her parents immigrated to Flint, Michigan, joining extended family newly established in the US. Susana’s family embraced American life during the auto industry boom in Flint: Susana joined her cousins on the factory line at AC Spark Plug, and her parents opened a 24-hour diner catering to Flint’s factory workers, all while learning English and navigating a very new way of life. At AC, Susana met the love of her life. Neil Sickterman and Susana were married in Flint on August 24, 1963, and soon welcomed two daughters. In 1975, Neil and Susie moved their family to Grand Rapids, where they had their son, Neil Leon, and where they remained for the rest of their days. Together, Neil and Susie traveled throughout the country and, eventually, the world during their retirement. Susie enjoyed swimming at the Y and socializing with a wide range of dear friends. Susie was admired for her dazzling blue eyes, her impeccable sense of style, her thoughtfulness, her adventurous spirit, and her gracious hospitality. Above everything, Susie was fiercely dedicated to her family. Susie was an integral part of the lives of her children and grandchildren, sharing in all their milestones, events, and everyday lives. She drew her last breath surrounded by the family who loved her deeply and upon whom she leaves a lasting impact. Susie is survived by her children, Laura (Eric) Smith of Ada, Leslie Sickterman (Rob Bacigalupi) of Traverse City, and Neil (Christine Pokorney) Sickterman of Vero Beach, Florida; by her grandchildren, Alexandria (Alec) Sulesky, Maxwell Smith (fiancée Anna VanHouten), Emily Smith, Remy Bacigalupi, and Quincy Sickterman; by her precious great-granddaughter, Elsie Sulesky; and by her brother-in-law Gene Sickterman and sister-in-law Joan Justema.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, Michigan 49301, with visitation one hour prior. Rev. Tony Russo presiding. Interment Cascade Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place following mass from 12:30-3:30pm at Watermark Country Club, 1600 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Franciscan Life Process Center in Lowell, MI, where Susie loved to volunteer.
9 Responses
Such a lovely, beautiful lady whom I enjoyed being in her presence always. Such style and grace she possessed. I am saddened by this news but am grateful for wonderful lady opportunity to see and speak with her recently. RIP dearest lady. you have been loved by many and admired by all who knew you. I offer prayers of peace to your loved ones left behind. May perpetual light shine upon you and I to your beautiful blue eyes.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many dear friends of Susie. She was a very kind and generous young lady and the world was a better place with her in it. She will be missed and thought about for a very long time. Another angel on her way to heaven.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and many dear friends of Susie. She was a very kind and generous young lady and the world was a better place with her in it. She will be missed and thought about for a very long time. Another angel on her way to heaven.
I will miss my friend the rest of my days. Susie was so beautiful inside and out. I just admired how lovely she was even in the pool (full make-up always). I will think of her in my mini cooper with our heated seats all year round! Every time I would go to Suzie’s house she always showed me the picture of her parents (birth mom) she was so proud of them. I’m so glad we had our week in Cancun this year. I have great pictures to remember Susie.
My prayers are for the family that will go on without mom, grandma, great-grandma and sister.
The Aqua Ladies classes, coffees, and luncheons won’t be the same without Susie. She kept showing up when most people would have given up, and we were always glad for her warm, lovely presence. 💜
Sending love to all the Sickterman’s on the loss of your beautiful beloved mother.
Sending love to all the Sickterman’s on the loss of your beautiful beloved mother.
Words cannot express the sadness that we feel about Suzis passing. She was always such a joy to be around and her style was impeccable. She was so sweet and good to all of us.
Wishing you prayers of peace and solace in the days ahead. God bless.
Words cannot express the sadness that we feel about Suzis passing. She was always such a joy to be around and her style was impeccable. She was so sweet and good to all of us.
Wishing you prayers of peace and solace in the days ahead. God bless.