

October 25, 1960 – November 12, 2025
The world lost a remarkable force of love, loyalty, and laughter on November 12, 2025, when Susan Coots passed away. She was born in Brooklyn on October 25, 1960, to William Joseph Bisking and Suzanne Montemarano. Susan grew up alongside her siblings — Rosie, Billy, and Michelle — in a childhood full of movement, mischief, and memories. Whether roller skating, exploring the streets, or turning a long walk home from Coney Island into an adventure, Susan embraced life with energy and an open heart.
Susan graduated high school and went on to dedicate her life to the work she did best: being a Domestic Goddess — a stay-at-home mom whose job description included raising her family with fierce devotion, keeping a home full of warmth, and welcoming any “stray” dog or child who needed love. She raised her family first in Long Island, NY, and later in Fort Myers, FL — but no matter the zip code, Susan made every place feel like home.
Susan married the love of her life, Michael Coots, and together they built a life of 41 years grounded in loyalty, laughter, and an unshakable bond. She was the proud mother of Randi, Joey, and Angela, and the endlessly affectionate grandmother who lit up at the sight of her grandkids. She loved gardening, dancing, fishing, and being on the water. We are sure she is already rearranging the inventory in heaven. Her unrivaled enthusiasm for shopping brought her immense pleasure. She was also famous for her family Mafia stories — the kind that made everyone laugh, lean in, and ask for one more.
Her personality was unmistakable: Susan was a fierce defender of her people. If she loved you, she would go to the ends of the earth for you. She believed deeply in family values, helping anyone who needed it, and teaching her children to be independent, resilient, and strong. She knew when to be tough and when to be gentle, and her kids always knew she had their back.
Time with Susan was filled with the things she loved most: DC movies, holiday traditions, and her grandkids. Christmas was her absolute favorite — she was a “tree goes up the day after Thanksgiving” kind of person, and even during hospice care, Christmas music surrounded her because it was the soundtrack of her joy.
Her life was rich with memories: yearly trips to Disney and Universal, vacations to the beach, cruises, and family adventures. Michael especially cherished how deeply proud she was of his military service, a respect she voiced often. Randi remembers coming home from the hospital with baby Aurora to find that Susan had prepared everything with the tender care only a mother can give. Angela remembers the fun and freedom of MS Camp — the “big ass camp,” as they lovingly called it — where Susan made even challenges feel like adventures. Joe will forever miss walking through the door to hear her yell, her signature, greeting: “Hey Joe,” and the joy of bringing her to Orlando every year to enjoy the nostalgia of our childhood vacations. Their bond was so strong, that even Dad felt like a third wheel. 💜
Her siblings and those she loved also hold countless stories. Michelle remembers the calls to go fishing with uncle Roy. Debbie remembers Susan dropping everything to be there in her hardest moments. Randi fondly recalls watching her mom play penny poker on friday nights with the entire family. Micheal remembers how much Susan loved Double Diamonds and playing the slot machines.
She adored being godmother to Larry, Melissa and Josephine — a role she took on with pride and affection.
Susan lived life with an open heart, generous spirit, and unshakable loyalty. She taught her daughters to be strong, her son to be steady, and all of her children to stand tall in the world. Although she knew her children could take care of themselves — and she loved that — it tugged at her heart because nurturing them was her life’s greatest joy.
Susan leaves behind a legacy of strength, laughter, and fierce love. She leaves behind her husband Michael, her children Randi, Joey, and Angela, her beloved grandchildren, her siblings, extended family, and the many people who were better for having been welcomed into her life.
She was the heart of her family — and though she has left this world, her spirit and her love remain woven into every memory, every story, and every life she touched.
And the truth is, no obituary could ever fully capture her. She was too vibrant, too funny, too loving, too her to be reduced to paragraphs. Paper can’t hold a life that big
A visitation will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, located at 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913, on November 18, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The funeral service will take place at the same location on November 19, 2025 at 4:00 pm.
A committal service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 1:00 pm.
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