Susan Joan Perks (VanHowe)

Non est ad astra mollis e terris via” (There is no easy way from the earth to the stars). -Seneca The universe must have known what it was doing when Susan Joan Perks (Van Howe) was brought into this world on April 26, 1947 in Mahopac, New York. Those April showers seeped their way into her soul and bloomed her love of gardening not only plants, but nurturing those around her. As the eldest of 7 siblings, Susan took on a maternal role very early in life and carried those instincts into motherhood for her three children and in turn many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Susan cultivated her life in Grand Rapids Michigan and whether you knew her as DoDo, Sue, mom, gram, sister, auntie sue, garden angel or speed racer, you would have been graced by her listening ear, nurturing spirit, and vivacious personality. Her eyes would light up with your visit or call and she was always so proud of her family and friends, sharing their own stories, setbacks, and triumphs as her own. She cared for and tended her garden and loved ones with a passion; you knew she would be in your corner sticking up for you. “You know how every once in a while you do something and the little voice inside says, There. That’s it. That’s why you’re here… and you get a warm glow in your heart because you know it’s true? Do more of that” -Jacob Nordby While Susan may have held her corporate american career as a payroll accountant starting at Blodgett Hospital by day; by night and weekends she could be found exploring her passions of speeding down the highway to visit with family and friends, feeling the wind while parasailing in Mexico, traversing the sky in a hot air balloon, and braving the famous fire walk at the Mickarosa.Her adventurous nature spilled over into her personality in delightful ways; you know this to be true if you have ever been on the receiving end of her number one or her sassy shimmy. She valued her friendships and frequented many local establishments with friends for food and spirits. That sparkle in her eye was a hint at the magic in her soul and the magic that she pulled into the lives of those around her. She loved backwards days, ice cream for breakfast, exploring flower fairies in the garden, trying her hand at many crafts, reading a sci-fi or fantasy novel, crocheting you a cozy baby blanket or practical washcloth. You could count on her being at every family gathering. She was famous for her mixed pork and beef roast dinners, kielbasa and cookies at christmas, potato salads in the spring, delicious spaghetti, and her three C’s: Chop Suey, Chicken Soup, and Cheesecake with almond. Her own roots were deep and let her experience life and all its blessings and trials with a silent strength. If you knew anything about Susan it was that she learned to live life by her own rules and in the end she “did it her way”. She passed peacefully onto her next adventure in her home, surrounded by many she had mothered and loved deeply, as she lost a battle with end stage renal disease and other medical conditions. “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” - Mahatma Gandhi So this April, and every April to come, think of a happy memory you shared with Susan, plan that spring garden and think ‘April Showers bring Sue Flowers’. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of gifts and flowers to the family, we ask that you share in Susan’s love of gardening by planting something in her honor and consider a donation to the American Diabetes Association.

Tributes

Susan Joan Perks (VanHowe)

April 26, 1947 - December 31, 2022