Susan Bacheller

Some people search their whole lives through for meaning and purpose. Susan Bacheller made an undeniable difference in the world around her. Blessed both academically and socially, Susan used her wonderful skills in a profound way throughout her career and accomplished life. To her, each day was filled with meaning and purpose. Ever so determined, she dedicated her life to the service of humanity. A true blessing in the lives of many, thoughts of Susan will continue to bring loving smiles to those who came to know and love her.

The 1950s are a well remembered time in our nation’s history. High morals and esteemed values were a common thread among Americans while the American dream was being realized across the nation. Industry was continually expanding, and jobs were plentiful. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bruce and Elizabeth (Miller) Bacheller were experiencing dreams of their own when on August 29, 1958 they welcomed the birth of Susan May into their loving arms.

A welcome addition, Susan was the second child in her family of eventually five. Born just 11 months after her older brother, Susan grew up sharing wonderful family memories alongside her sisters as well. The Bacheller family made their home in Comstock Park and as faithful members of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, faith was instilled into Susan’s heart at a young age. In 1965, a devastating tornado ripped through Susan’s hometown, leveling their home which stood just houses away from their church. It was a terrifying time for their family, and fearing for their children’s safety, Susan’s parents protected them by laying on them as the grisly twister took their home. In time they rebuilt their beloved house where they continued to raise their family.

Susan enjoyed a typical childhood for the times. She attended Fairview Elementary School and Walker Junior High where she was a friend to many. Well liked, Susan shared countless friendships throughout her school years and beyond. She was an outgoing girl, and excelled in her studies. From early on many things captured Susan’s interest and she became quite knowledgeable in many areas. While in junior high she even wrote an essay concerning the care of humanity which was quite prophetic of what her life would one day lead to. Talented musically, Susan played the piano for many years performing beautiful solo performances and lively duet performances with her sister Sharon. She enjoyed theater and performed in several musicals, was a member of the choir, and the National Honor Society. Additionally, she also excelled in sewing and other activities through her involvement with the 4H program. Susan went on to graduate from Kenowa Hills High School in 1976 with the honor as class Salutatorian.

After high school Susan studied at the Mercy School of Nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital and in 1978 earned her Nursing Diploma. With excellent grades, she was immediately hired by St. Mary’s Hospital where she used her skills working in ICU. In 1979, after completing her nursing internship, she took her state boards and received her Registered Nurse status. Susan loved her patients and was known for her exceptional patient care. In time she took a position with Ferguson Hospital in Grand Rapids as a Clinical Nurse, providing pre-surgical education and post anesthesia care to recovery room patients. The year 1982 found Susan moving forward as a sales representative for the Johnson & Johnson Company where she managed a 90 hospital territory in Western and Northern Michigan. She eventually ranked in the top 30% of the overall sales force.

With a heart for the care of others, Susan returned to St. Mary’s Hospital in 1984 as a Clinical Nurse. While there she developed, implemented and evaluated care plans for critically ill patients, and also trained and mentored new staff. In everything Susan did, she gave it her all, and it was no different when it came to her friendships. While at St. Mary’s she formed lifelong friendships with the “Fabulous Five”, Susan, Mia, Sue, Maxine and Lori, nurses in charge of various areas of nursing. The bond that was formed between these women was both strong and professional with a shared focus on patient care. They always had a great time working together and continued to get together whenever Susan came to Michigan.

Susan furthered her education at Grand Valley State University and continually made the Deans List. She graduated with a BA in Political Science and before long, she found herself in Washington, D.C. She attended American University, earning her Masters Degree in International Development. While in Washington, Susan worked at the Suburban Hospital in nearby Bethesda, Maryland as a clinical nurse and supervisor. With a heart for those less fortunate, especially in underdeveloped countries ravaged by war, Susan trained with the Peace Corps. In 1993 she assigned for Yemen, and learned to speak the Arabic language. She worked in the underprivileged country as a nurse midwife where she established and provided family planning services and child wellness in remote communities. Within her first year of her tour in Yemen, with great political unrest, Susan and her team were quickly evacuated by the U.S. military. A large piece of Susan’s heart remained there with the people she came to know and love.

Shortly after returning to Michigan, Susan contemplated continuing in the Peace Corps or returning to work in the private sector. Wanting to gain more field experience, Susan accepted a 2 year tour in Honduras. She became quite fluent in the Spanish language. From 1994 to 1996, her term of service consisted of program development and management as well as conducting training workshops on HIV, Aid’s and STD’s. One of the highlights of her time there was her parent's visit. She was so delighted and proud to have the opportunity to share her life’s work with them. In turn, they were extremely proud of Susan for helping people in such a meaningful way.

With her term completed, Susan came back to the U.S. and began working for Johns Hopkins University for Public Health under a fellowship program as a Pharmaceutical Management Adviser. Quite knowledgeable in her field of study, Susan participated in global tuberculosis meetings and related issues. She became known as one of the leading experts in the treatment and prevention of TB, and Malaria. She later became involved at Johns Hopkins as a population, health and nutrition adviser and was assigned to the United States Agency for International Development where she provided technical guidance to USAID missions regarding health reform issues. As a Senior Infectious Disease adviser, Susan was assigned to Latin America, the Caribbean and many other areas around the world. She also worked on Malaria prevention programs. Her various positions throughout her career allowed her to travel extensively to over 63 countries worldwide.

Susan loved art and through her travels she collected many treasures. Quite meaningful to her, these items were cherished possessions of Susan’s as she decorated her home with them. Most important to Susan was her interest in the people she served, her many wonderful friendships, and her family. She had a vast array of interests which included bicycling, and joined a cycling club. Susan loved to entertain and share her home with others. Whenever someone came to visit, she enjoyed leading tours of the Washington area all while taking in her love of theater and art galleries. She was especially fond of jazz music and enjoyed cooking for friends. She recently spent a week at the family cottage in Lewiston with her friend Sue, which she very much enjoyed.

With her special love for children, Susan enjoyed the company of her nieces and nephews. Her family got together at least once a year where enjoyable and fun times were shared by all. Susan had a stupendous appetite for adventure and this spirit usually found her trying most things. She liked being outdoors and found peace and solitude gardening. Susan was the type of woman who lived for purpose in life. To her, each new day provided new and exciting challenges, and with her optimistic attitude, she always made the best of it. She possessed great determination and fortitude.

There was instilled in Susan Bacheller as great desire to make a difference in the world around her. She did so exceedingly well, and leaves a forever imprint on the lives and hearts of many. After a busy week of travel doing her life’s work, Susan, at the age of 52, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at home in Falls Church, Virginia. Although she will be missed by all who knew and loved her, she will be remembered as an individual who lived life to the fullest. In pursuing her dream, she helped humanity, and in her efforts, helped solve some of the many problems that face our world today.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her siblings: Tom (Nancy) Bacheller, Sharon (Scott) Smith, Barbara (Cliff) Daly, Julie (Joe) Bulerski; nieces and nephews: Brian Bacheller, Jay Bacheller, Austin (Dana) Smith, Aaron Smith, Nicole Smith, Elizabeth Daly, Marc Daly and Andrew Bulerski; great nephew, Ashton Smith; her godparents, Bill Platte and Char McGrath; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends the world over. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, November 6, 2010, 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Alpine Township. Interment in Holy Trinity Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family Friday, November 5, 2010, 4–8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive where the Rosary will be recited at 8:00 PM. The family will also visit with friends at the church Saturday from 10:00 AM until the Mass at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions to the U.N. Foundation for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Susan or to sign her online guest book.