Suzanne Dee Green

Suzanne Dee Green, aged 88, passed away June 27, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Green; parents, Francis and Doleen Larobardiere; and brother Tom Larobardiere, sister-in-law Jan Larobardiere and sister Cindy Behnke. Sue is survived by her children, Kathy (Mark) Morrow, David (Rae) Green, and John (Deanna) Green; grandchildren, Jacqueline (Rob) Campbell, Brendan (Bre) Foley, Daniel (Becky) Morrow, Mary Morrow, Alec (Mackenzie) Green, Anne (Aidan) Anderson, Ainsley Green, Alyssa Green and Glenn Green; seven great grandchildren, Julian David Campbell, CeCe Morrow, Clare Morrow, Westerly Campbell, Oliver Foley, Collins Morrow and Ruby Anderson; and brothers, Rick (Carol) Larobardiere and Fritz (Yvonne) Larobardiere.

Sue was born on July 14, 1936, in the farming community of Swartz Creek, just outside of the bustling city of Flint, Michigan. During her childhood, she witnessed the installation of indoor plumbing, walked many miles to a one room schoolhouse, and, as the much older sibling, took on a nurturing role to her three younger brothers and sister. Sue excelled at academics and was encouraged by teachers and mentors to pursue her dreams beyond the boundaries of her hometown. While earning money as a telephone operator, she enrolled in Flint Junior College, where she was student council secretary, member of the debate team, newspaper editor, and varsity cheerleader. In 1955, the Flint newspaper announced “Sue Larobardiere Crowned Queen of College Royalty” in front of a homecoming crowd of 300.

At Flint Junior College Sue met the love of her life, William A. “Bill” Green, and together they went off to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan. Sue graduated with a BA in education and the newly married couple, without a dime in their pockets, moved to Muskegon and lived in a tent on the beach, waiting for Bill’s first paycheck and the arrival of their first child Kathy. After a move to Grand Rapids, Sue embarked on a forty-year career in education, serving as a Teacher Consultant designing personalized educational programs for gifted and special needs students. She had a profound impact on the lives and futures of countless students and their families. Midway through her career, Sue earned a master’s degree in education and lectured at Aquinas College as an Adjunct Professor.

The early Grand Rapids years were grounded in the lifelong friendships established at Eastminster Presbyterian Church where Sue served as a Deacon. Sue and Bill were also supporters of Forest Hills Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 1968 Sue and Bill moved out to the “country,” setting down roots in Cascade. These years were all about spending time with friends and family and enjoying their cabin, Duffy’s Tavern, on the Pere Marquette River at Barothy Lodge. Sue was the original multi-tasker, balancing a demanding career, raising three angelic children, and managing an active household.  Somehow, Sue found the time to assuage her insatiable love of books and writing, hone her skills as an accomplished seamstress, and tend to her flowers and plants. In the realm of cuisine, she relied on her innate creativity, never a recipe, to turn out beautiful meals for countless dinner parties, bringing family and friends together.

Eventually Sue and Bill lived seasonally in Pentwater and as part of the Cook Valley community, establishing many close friendships over the years.  

Our Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother had a dream and lived that dream. She did it all with grace and class. She was a gentle soul with a deep well of tenacity. As a talented and devoted teacher, she gave her students the tools and confidence to make their dreams attainable.  She loved and adored her husband Bill and was proud of her family and cherished her many friendships. Her goodness will endure.

Visitation will be Tuesday July 1st, from 1:00 to 2:00, followed immediately by the funeral service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson SE, Associate Pastor Jen Porter officiating. Interment Cascade Cemetery Columbarium. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Henry or the Literacy Center of West Michigan.