Susan Wiseman

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Susan Wiseman had the ability to share all of these with others. Her life was marked with love and compassion for her family, friends and fellow human beings. It is her cheerful nature and positive disposition that will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Susan Lynn Wiseman was born on February 23, 1958, to James and Laurel (Vanderplow) Ziegler in Grand Haven, Michigan. She was the oldest of three children and the doting big sister to her brothers, James and Tommy. Susan spent her growing up years in the community of Norton Shores in Muskegon County, MI where her father was a teacher at South Shore Junior High, and her mother worked in a furniture store. The family enjoyed spending summers at a cottage on Clear Lake in Big Rapids, and heading south to Florida for some Disney World fun. For education, Susan attended Churchill Henry Elementary, South Shore Junior High and Mona Shores High School where she played clarinet in the school’s marching band and ran track. She graduated from Mona Shores in 1976.

Susan met her future husband, Christopher Wiseman, in high school, where they became sweethearts and voted “Best Looking Couple” by their graduating class. They dated for some time before being married on September 12, 1981, at Calvin Christian Reformed Church. The couple spent the next 12 years together, raising their two sons, Ryan and Casey, and sharing many memories as a family. Susan enjoyed carrying on some of her family’s traditions with her own boys by spending many summers at the cottage in Big Rapids and visiting Disney World. Unfortunately, Susan’s marriage to Chris ended in divorce in 1993.

Besides being a devoted mother, Susan also graduated from Hackley Hospital School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse in the Cardiac Intermediate Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. Being a nurse was the perfect profession for Susan because she was such a compassionate and caring person. Susan loved her job and everyone she worked with, and undoubtedly touched many lives in her 26 years with the hospital.

In her leisure time, Susan liked quilting, collecting Cherished Teddy’s and Precious Moment figurines, and spending time with her two cats, Gizmo and Gadget. She also enjoyed scrapbooking with her best friend, Diane, and over the years, they attended several conventions for this hobby. One year, Susan even won first place for the best book.

About two years ago, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent two rounds of chemo and radiation as well as had a mastectomy. No matter the outcome, Susan stayed positive and was determined to beat the disease. She had constant support from her best friend, Diane, as well as her family, friends and co-workers, who rallied around to keep her spirits up. About two weeks ago, Susan became very sick and was to undergo more tests. When her friend, Diane, came to pick her up for a biopsy, Susan was too weak to go and was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital by ambulance. It was here that Susan died unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, February 26, 2008, at the age of 50.

Susan Wiseman was a woman cut of the warmest, kindest cloth, who always volunteered her time, her effort and her love. She was so many things to so many people – a loving mother, devoted friend and a shoulder to lean on. She will be deeply missed.

Susan is survived by her sons, Ryan Wiseman and Casey Wiseman; her parents, James and Laurel Ziegler of Comstock Park, MI; her brothers and sister-in-law, James Ziegler Jr. and Tommy and Kerri Ziegler; nieces and nephews: Taryn VanAelst, Brett Grevel, Andrew Grevel, Tommy Ziegler Jr.; her best friend, Diane (Martin) Gedris; many friends, family and wonderful co-workers at St. Mary’s Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A time of remembrance and gathering to celebrate Susan's life will be held Saturday, March 1 from 2 to 6 PM at the Churchill Place Apartments Community Building, 4601 Alpine Ave. NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Mary's Doran Foundation - Lacks Cancer Center, 200 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Please visit Susan’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.