Susan was born on July 27, 1941 in Janesville Wisconsin, the daughter of Willard and Dorothy (Robbins) Croake. Susan had many happy childhood memories of growing up in Janesville, including family gatherings, Irish music and storytelling, and many friends.
Susan was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. She earned a degree in social work and began her career in Rock County, Wisconsin, and subsequently with Catholic Charities in Kansas City.
Susan moved on to become a loving stay-at-home mom and raised two wonderful sons. When her sons went on to college at Notre Dame, Susan took on a new career managing a tennis and fitness club for 11 years, where she also played competitive tennis. Susan then decided to work at a French home goods retail store in Ann Arbor, where she became the manager.
Susan was a loving, engaging, and generous person to everyone who knew her. She brought wit and wisdom into every conversation, and a sparkle into every room. Common threads among all of Susan’s careers included her strong work ethic, her love of engaging with people, and forming close friendships and lifelong ties.
When she retired, she pursued charity work and was able to spend more time with her family and friends. It was at this time that Susan became deeply involved in Bollywood dancing, which was the perfect avenue for her to expand her ever-growing network of cherished friendships. She served as the Treasurer of Sikhya, a charity funding organization that provides educations for underprivileged girls in India. She was also passionate about and actively supported several other charities.
Susan is survived by her loving husband, Steve, her sons Chris (Reshma) and Scott (Teresa), her brother Paul (Denise), sister-in-law Edith, six grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Richard Croake.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church, 2250 East Stadium Boulevard, Ann Arbor 48104, on Saturday, March 16, at 11:00 am. The church will be open at 10:30 am for gathering. A celebration of Susan’s life will be held after the mass from 1:00 to 4:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom at the Polo Fields Golf and Country Club, 5200 Polo Fields Drive, Ann Arbor 48103. Directions to this celebratory luncheon will be provided at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Chad Tough Foundation.
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