Susan Zokoe

All who knew Sue Zokoe agree that she was truly generous. Driven to provide her family with a wonderful upbringing, she poured herself into her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Gone too soon, she leaves behind a rich collection of memories that will surely live on in the hearts of her many special friends and loved ones.

The 1960s were characterized by great social changes. At the beginning of this promising decade in our nation’s history, folk music was evolving thanks to young artists like Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles. Susan Elizabeth was born the third of four children on November 13, 1962, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her birth brought much hope and happiness during an era known for its optimism.

Sue grew up on Collindale on the NW side of town with her mother, her two older brothers, and a younger brother. Her childhood was filled with memories at her grandparent’s farm near Stanwood where she bonded tightly with her Grandma Lois. During her frequent visits, she enjoyed helping with the animals and the crops. These early memories established her strong work ethic. When her mother remarried, Ed Skorski, Sue gained a father figure. Later, her baby sister, Missy was born to complete their family. Sue was known to care for the daughters of close family friends as well as her baby sister in her adolescent years. While attending Grandville High School, she met Daniel Zokoe and their relationship flourished. The two of them became inseparable and enjoyed trying out new things such as camping and fishing. Sue enjoyed tagging along on many of Dan’s “gearhead” hobbies. A local bakery in Standale hired her during her teen years. Once she graduated, she left to work for Budget car rental.

On July 11, 1987, she and Dan married at the Mount Olive Lutheran Church. As newlyweds, they honeymooned near Traverse City and Boyne before settling at their home on 500 Charlotte. Later, they moved to a house on Remembrance Road where they welcomed their two children, Molly and Cody. They built their forever family home on Kinney SW. Sue took great pride in keeping their home meticulously tidy. She vacuumed every day and there was always a load of laundry murmuring in the background!

Taking care of her family became her top priority. She kept her family well-fed with her favorite dishes of cheesy potatoes, lasagna, and chicken dip! As a mother, she was strict yet loving. She seemed to soften as the kids grew older. Birthdays and holidays were her favorite time to show others the love she held for them. She was known to pay attention to every detail so others felt special during these special moments. As a family, they enjoyed camping in the summer. They started out in tents and worked their way up to a pop-up camper. Sue swept the campsite often and took her normal daily run to the store to prepare the meals for the day. They also took several trips to Florida to visit her and Dan’s parents. Her dedication to her family was evident during these developing years.

As a longtime member of Mount Olive Lutheran, Sue enjoyed teaching Sunday school, working in the office, helping clean, and preparing countless meals. Once the kids were grown, Sue also found jobs to fill in the gaps of responsibilities at home that were no longer essential. She started watching other people’s kids and worked in the office at the kids’ school. Not surprisingly, she also picked up some cleaning jobs to supplement their income and keep her busy. Later, she worked at a 5-Star real estate company and most recently for Hi-Lo Electric. No matter where she landed, Sue had a natural way of connecting with people. She was always reliable and willing to help in any way. Sue always saw the best in others and welcomed them into her life. Due to her loving nature, her family grew to include the Nguyen family (Robyn, Dave, Landon and Evan), the Bratcher family (Krystal, Ethan and Luke), and Sam Farias.

Sue felt blessed beyond measure when she became a grandmother and they were her greatest joy. “Nanny”, was her favorite, most cherished title. She spent the last five years devoted to taking care of them and spoiling them.

Sadly, this past March, she was diagnosed with AML, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. After spending much of the last few months in the hospital, her desire to come home was granted for the 4th of July. She was weak yet comfortable in her own home until she was brought back to the hospital and passed within a day. Any amount of time she was with her loved ones her heart was content. Described as a servant angel who was always willing to share her faith and her unwavering support, Sue’s genuine presence will be deeply missed. May her loved ones never doubt the love she had for each and every one of them and may her many wonderful memories be eternal.

Susan E. Zokoe, age 60, of Walker, passed away on July 28, 2023. She is survived by her husband, Dan; children, Molly and Chad Monger, Cody Zokoe; grandchildren; Perry, Archer, and Navy; her parents, Judy and Ed Skorski; brothers and sister, Jeff Wever, Joel and Tracy Wever, Jon Wever, Missy and Cory Solomon; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jeff Zokoe, Peggy Bultema, Kris and Bud VanSolkema; her special adopted family including the Nguyen Family, Bratcher Family, and Sam Farias; as well as several nieces and nephews. Susie had a nurturing spirit and was everything to everyone all the time. With that generosity, she touched the lives of numerous others.

The service to remember and celebrate Susie’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 11:30 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. Friends are invited to visit with her family at the funeral home on Monday from 5-8 PM and on Tuesday beginning at 10:30 AM. Susie lived a life of sacrificial service to others. To honor her life, make time to give your time and talents to someone who could use a helping hand. To share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com