Susan was the beloved wife of the late John Elek, with whom she shared 48 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of James Elek and Mary Jo (Steve) Gale, and the cherished grandmother of Ricky Vagts, Danni Vagts, Joshua Gale, and Jessica Gale. She was the dear sister of Dicky (Amy) Habib, Bill (Madeline) Habib, and the late Jim (Karen) Habib. She was a beloved aunt to David, Meghan, and Nicholas Habib, and a great-aunt to Abigail, Emily, David, and Hailey Habib. She was also a very close and cherished cousin to Barbara, Elaine, and the late Michael.
Susan was the matriarch of her family and the keeper of its history. She had a remarkable ability to bring people together and preserve the connections that mattered most. She was the thread that held the family cloth together, always remembering, always planning, and always making sure that no one was forgotten.
A devoted friend, mother, grandmother, and family member, Susan was known for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to help others. She loved organizing people to support one another and was often the person who kept friendships alive by planning gatherings, making phone calls, and reminding everyone to stay connected. And nothing could stop her from spoiling her beloved grandchildren.
Her home was a place of love and welcome, especially on Sundays, when family gathered around her table for homemade Lebanese food. Sunday dinner was a tradition her family treasured, and the warmth of those gatherings will remain among their most cherished memories.
Susan was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Redemption Melkite Church, where her faith was central to her life and where she devoted countless hours of service to her parish and community. She was actively involved in the Ladies Society, Coffee Hour, Catechism, Fundraising, and participated in activities both locally and throughout the diocese. Her commitment to her church was an expression of the deep faith and love that guided her throughout her life.
Susan was also a lifelong educator with long stints at St. Clement (where she also served as vice principal) and Marian high schools, where she dedicated many years to teaching high school English. Her commitment to education extended far beyond the classroom. As a teacher and school leader, she touched the lives of generations of students, faculty, and families through her dedication, guidance, compassion, and love of learning.
Susan's life was defined by devotion not only to her faith but to her family, her students, and her many friends. She gave generously of her time, her talents, her home, and her heart. The many lives she touched are a lasting testament to the love and kindness she shared so freely.
Susan's family will receive friends on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and Friday, September 25, from 1:30 pm until 9:00 pm with Trisagion prayers at 7:00 pm, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, in Warren. Instate will be held the following day, Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, in Warren.
A private committal service for Susan will take place at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East Cemetery in Clinton Township.
In lieu of flowers, donations made to Association of Marian Helpers, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Our Lady of Redemption Melkite Church, 29293 Lorraine Avenue, Warren, Michigan 48093 would be deeply appreciated.
