Sue passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 17, 2022. She was born to Frederick and Constance (Carlson) Douglas on January 20, 1966 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She became a proud older sister to Sarah in 1968 and Rick in 1971. Sue met many lifelong friends growing up in the Westnedge Hill neighborhood, attending Kalamazoo Public Schools, and worshiping in First United Methodist Church.
Sue had a passion for music from a young age. She was gifted with an incredible soprano voice and was a skilled pianist. She used both talents to perform with Loy Norrix Master Singers, the Albion College Briton Singers, Kalamazoo Singers, the Kalamazoo Bach Festival and more. Sue’s strong faith and love of music led her to serve as both a counselor and a dean at Crystal Springs, Wesley Woods and Lake Louise United Methodist camps. Sue attended Albion College and received her Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.
Sue married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Daniels, on June 9, 1989. They welcomed their daughter, Anastasia Elizabeth (Stacie) the same year. The family of three resided in Plainwell, Michigan for over two decades. In 2013, Stacie blessed Sue and Bob with their grandchild, Alexander Jordan Lundberg. Additionally, Sue considered Stacie’s best friend, Becca, as her own child and welcomed her into their family as the girls grew up. Becca and her husband, Aaron, have also given Sue and Bob many grandchildren to love.
Sue is survived by her mother, Connie; husband, Bob; daughters, Stacie (Joe) Richmond and Becca (Aaron) Lynema; grandchildren, Alex, Brayden, Alice, Carter, Emilia, Olivia, and Liliana. She is also survived by her sister, Sarah Swafford; brother, Rick (Rebecca) Douglas; niece, Maggie (Barry) Bait; nephews, Erick and Aedan Douglas; stepmother Nancy Douglas, and a loving extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Sue was preceded in death by her father, Fred C. Douglas.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21 at Winkel Funeral Home, 207 E Allegan St, Otsego, MI 49078.
A service to celebrate Sue’s life will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 22 at Otsego United Methodist Church, 223 E Allegan St, Otsego, MI 49078.
Burial will take place at 1:00 P.M., at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.
The following link is for the Otsego United Methodist Church’s YouTube channel where a live stream should be playing during services for those who wish to attend virtually: https://www.youtube.com/@otsegounitedmethodistchurc1477
The family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Sue’s memory to Lake Louise Christian Community Camp and Retreat Center or to Michigan Area United Methodist Camping.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Linda & John Baker
We are so sorry to hear this news. We so loved her voice and piano renditions at church. She will be sorely missed
John M. Dunn
I was very sad to learn of the death of Susan. My connection with Sue was via WMU. She was an outstanding employee, very bright, competent and provided quality service to many always with a smile. My condolences to her family and her many friends. Special thanks to her immediate family for sharing Susan with Western Michigan University
Britt McDermott
I cannot believe the news. Sue had the voice of an angel and we sang in many Community Choruses together where she was the soloist. The Messiah was long a mainstay in my life. Her Swedish heritage on her mothers side connected us as well. I am shocked and saddened to get this post. My deepest condolences to Connie and Sues family.
Diana Hearit
Sue was such a committed person. When she did something, she did it with 100% effort. I first met Sue when she worked at the Honors College. She was a bright spot and added much to the culture. From there, she moved to the Provost Office and I always knew I had a friend on the floor.
My condolences to her family. She will be missed by us all, but our loss pales next to yours. May your memories sustain you in the days to come and comfort you in the years ahead.
Linda & Fritz Spreitzer
SO SORRY!!!
Praying that God will wrap each of you in His loving arms and give you His strength and comfort.
Tamara Williams
I just heard about Sue, and am shocked and saddened. I knew Sue for decades through the United Methodist Church, especially camping ministries. She was so much fun – and what a voice! I know that in faith I’ll see her again. I’m praying for for all of you.
Elizabeth Carr
Is difficult to wrap my head around the loss of Sue’s generous heart, welcoming spirit, and beautiful voice. She was a blessing to our Lake Louise family.
Ryan Ewing
I am so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing…it was quite a shock to me…she was an extremely talented musician who had an incredible singing voice….she sang with us a number of times with the River Cities concert band in Otsego….she was also one of Many store directors at Meijer loved getting to talk to her….the Daniel’s family is in my prayers
Mark Miller
One of my singing friends in Kalamazoo Bach Festival, Sue will be dearly missed. I can close my eyes and hear her voice.
We just sang for her father’s memorial service this past July. She gathered singers from the different groups she was a part of to celebrate his life. Now we will gather to celebrate hers. Gone too young.
Paul Pancella
We were greatly saddened to hear of Sue’s sudden passing. She was extremely generous and talented, and fun to be around. I especially treasure the many times we were able to make music together, as part of the Bach Festival chorus and elsewhere. She was always very supportive of me when I had much less experience and confidence in choral performance. I was eagerly anticipating her return to the Bach chorus. Her family is in our prayers.
Angela Kovatch
Sue was a bright light. A welcoming and warm smile with the best hugs. Always there with the most sincere advice. A trustworthy lock and key keeper of the deepest confessions. The greatest friend to laugh with until the tears came. She will be missed but I would like to think she is now singing with the loudest voice among her angels.
Andrew Koehler
Sue was such a wonderful musician and force for good in Kalamazoo. She will be dearly missed. My sincerest condolences to her family; may music be a comfort to you in this time of grief.
Tracey Keeny
I will never forget the years of singing with you in the Bach Festival Choir. Heaven just got an amazing Soprano.
Patty and Jim Dare
Everyone who knew Sue loved her for her warmth, loving spirit, and generosity. What we’ll most remember are her hugs, beautiful voice, adoration of her family, and love of all things camp. We can imagine her enthusiastically joining a choir of angels. Lucky heaven to have gained this lovely soul ❤️. She will be missed.
Sally Kenyon-Laws
So sorry to hear of this loss of Sue. I new Sue from bowling & WMU. Such a great lady with such a heart of gold. Hugs & Prayers to all
Mrs. Jim Hewitt. (Patti)
To Sue’s family and friends my sincere condolences. A beautiful voice has been silenced in the earthly realm. Gone much too soon. Am so sorry for your loss.
Karen Crane
Loved hearing her sing. Very calming. Will miss her on Sundays.
John Griffin
Sue was one of the driving forces behind the Kalamazoo Singers during my time with the organization. She was a wonderful singer and person who will be greatly missed.
Anne Ruth Sherfield
I am so sad to learn of Sue’s passing. She was such a kind, sweet lady who always greeted me warmly with a big smile. Her voice was gorgeous and I have many memories of hearing her sing in church and also of playing in the orchestra while she sang in the choir. Heaven has gained an angel.
Heather Stout Stout
I meant Sue at Meijer many many moons ago. She was a loving and caring person. I know she will be sapdly missed. Sorry for your loss and prayer and thoughts are with Sue’s family.
Lynn Spansail
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the family
Rick and Carol Brooks
I have been blessed to have known Sue and Bob from bowling and playing euchre. So happy that we have shared many good times and laughter in those years Bob prayers for strength and comfort and for the family.
Lydia E. M. Hines
What a shock to see this obituary today! I sang with Sue and and had many pleasant interactions with her joyfully over the years in several of the choruses in which she participated as well as when she was at Western Michigan University. The picture that accompanies this obituary shows her delightful and contagious smile. May God envelop you with His peace at this difficult time.
Jodie Veenhuis
Sue was a wonderful friend to my husband David (and to me). She definitely left the world a better place and will be missed by all.
Shannon Rininger
Sue was a wonderful, kind, generous woman, who shared her talents and knowledge with all. I met Sue through the Professional Support Staff Organization at Western Michigan University. She was an active member and so supportive of our employee group, giving of her time to help in so many ways. In conversations over the years, we discovered how many people we both knew – family connections, friends within the Methodist Church, and others. It is truly a small world!
Sue will be great missed.
Cynthia Ward Westover
I went to high school with Sue, we were in many classes as well as choir with Mr.K where her voice shown in master singers, then to my surprise I find we both moved to Plainwell. I would occasionally run into her shopping and we would share our lives in the time we hadn’t seen each other. I wish peace and beautiful memories for Rob and Stacy and Sarah.
eileen pearson
Watching Sue grow up at First United Methodist Church was such a joy. Her happy spirit and kind and caring nature to others filled a Sunday School classroom and infused it with love. Then she matured into a young woman whose singing voice filled our sanctuary and moved many to tears. What a gift God gave Sue who used it to inspire and motivate others!
Thank you God, for Sue and the life she shared with us in so many different ways….and the light that she now leaves behind to help remind us and guide us. Bless her family and friends with peace. Amen
Kim Davis
Sue was a blessed member of our Parchment Community Choir and had a gorgeous soprano voice! We were fortunate enough to have heard her sing in a recent Kalamazoo Singers concert and I attended a wedding where she was the singer of special music.
Kim Davis
Love her!
Heather S.
I sang with Sue at Albion College. Such a beautiful soprano voice. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.
Doug Wood
So sad to hear of Sue’s passing and Share condolences with her family and friends. We first connected in Kalamazoo at the Wesley Foundation and I saw her at many United Methodist functions and annual conferences. I looked forward to the smiles and hugs when we greeted each other. She will be missed.