Susan M. England

Susan Mills Stretchberry England, age 79, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 10, comforted by her devoted and beloved husband, Tony, in their Ypsilanti, Michigan, home. Loved fiercely, Susan’s infinite generosity, infectious laugh, and boundless adoration for others are just a few of many reasons why this Angel will be dearly missed.

Home for Susan was Indiana, where she was born on July 18, 1942, to Ernest (Ernie) and Edith Mills. In 1955, she and her family moved into a custom home built by Ernie in Greenwood, then known as Southwind, and now as The Harry Cooler Conference Center. Staying in state, Susan studied elementary education at Franklin College and earned her master’s degree in education from Indiana University.

As an undergrad, Susan joined the Pi Beta Phi fraternity for women, which planted the seed for countless friendships that bloomed all throughout her life. Steadfastly dedicated to this cherished group, she stayed active with local Pi Phi alumnae clubs, as well as served varying roles on Franklin’s Pi Phi Alumnae Advisory Committee to advise and counsel collegiate Pi Phi women.

A lifelong learner and a woman of many talents and skills, Susan worked as a teacher, stockbroker, financial advisor (earning her Certified Financial Planner certification in 1985), corporate trainer, independent Longaberger basket consultant, and a learning center executive director. Her path wound through Ohio and Colorado, but all roads led back to Greenwood, to raise her three children and be closer to her parents.

Susan liked to stay busy by giving back to her community. To honor her late daughter’s legacy, Susan served on the board of BREF (Blood Research and Education Foundation) from 1987 to 1992, raising money for and awareness of blood-related diseases. She was also an active member of the PEO Sisterhood, which provided educational opportunities for female students worldwide. She served in every leadership position at least once, and she was an enthusiastic member of many chapters throughout her life. This international group of smart and generous women brought her many hours of joy and an untold number of friendships.

Her Indiana roots came full circle after retirement when Susan reconnected with Tony. Once a dear childhood friend, the two lived on the same street riding tricycles side-by-side up and down the sidewalks. After reuniting, Susan and Tony again joined side-by-side when they married in 2016. Susan moved with Tony to Michigan, where she enjoyed her last years with her very first friend.

Susan is survived by her husband, Tony; daughter, Barbara Stretchberry; son, Steven (Anne) Stretchberry; and grandchildren Sam, Abby, and Joseph. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer, and her parents.

Special thanks to Arbor Hospice, especially volunteer Ali, who played guitar and sang weekly to Susan throughout the last few months. And enormous gratitude to Bev Morrison for her loving care and attention.

A memorial will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel in Ann Arbor on Monday, August 23, 2021. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. with a service officiated by Rev. Tammy Martens beginning at noon. A graveside interment of ashes will follow at Arborcrest Cemetery. Additionally, Susan’s children will host a celebration of life gathering in Indiana when it is safer to be together in larger groups. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.