Suzanne Marie Malenfant
GLADSTONE –Suzanne Marie Malenfant, 69, of Gladstone, passed away Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, at U.P. Health System – Marquette. She was born on Feb. 10, 1949, in Gladstone, the daughter of Delbert and Ethel (Rose) Nelson. Sue grew up in Gladstone and graduated from Gladstone High School with the class of 1967. Following graduation, she began her college career in 1967 at St. Francis School of Radiologic Technology in Escanaba and became a registered x-ray technologist. Sue moved and lived in Green Bay, Wis., for one year and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital as a staff radiographer. She then returned to Gladstone and worked as a lab and x-ray technologist for Dr. Dehlin and later as an office nurse from 1970 until 1978. From 1978 until 1987, Sue was employed by OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba as a staff radiographer and nuclear medicine technologist. While working, she also studied at Bay College and received an associate of arts degree in health education in 1984 before transferring to NMU to study and receive a bachelor of science in health education degree in 1987, graduating with honors. She began working for the Escanaba Area School System in 1987 as a science teacher. Sue furthered her education and received a master of arts in biology education degree in 1992. In 2001, she received a guidance and counseling degree from NMU. Sue retired from Escanaba High School as a guidance counselor in 2013.
The former Suzanne Nelson married James Edward Malenfant on March 31, 1979, in Gladstone and together shared 39 years of marriage. Sue was very active throughout the community. She volunteered for the local hospice groups where she would make sure that if someone did not have family, a person would not pass away alone.
Sue rang the bell each year in both Michigan and Arizona for the Salvation Army, was very involved with the Rotary Club, and was a recent member of General Federation of Women’s Club in Escanaba. She began the Youth Assistance Program (YAP) at the Escanaba High School, and attended many classes at the Escanaba YMCA. Sue enjoyed traveling to see the world, camping, and wintering in Arizona, gardening, and crafting. She was one to never sit still and always put others first. She loved spending time with her family and had a huge place in her heart for her dogs. Sue will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the community.
Suzanne M. Malenfant is survived by husband, James Malenfant of Gladstone; children, Heather Peterson of Gladstone, Danilyn (Tony) McLaurin of Williamsburg, Va., Mindy Malenfant of Escanaba, Michael Malenfant of Leslie, Mich., and Debbie Woodworth of Jackson, Mich.; grandchildren, Zakary Lewis (Patty Marenger), Caitlin Van Brocklin, Noah Peterson, Paxtyn McLaurin, Peyton McLaurin, and Phelan McLaurin; sisters, Nancy Nelson and Gail Nelson; brother, Reynold (Rita) Nelson; cousin, Roni D’Eustachio of Arizona; many nieces and nephews; and her dog, Dexter.
In addition to her parents, Suzanne was preceded in death by one son, James “Jimmie” Malenfant; and her mother and father-in-law.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Suzanne will follow at 4 p.m. Friday in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Father Rick Courier of St. Anthony of Padua Church officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the funeral services in the St. Anthony of Padua fellowship hall in Wells. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Malenfant family and online condolences can be sent at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.