Suzanne M. (Gannon) Max

Suzanne was born on February 7, 1948, in Escanaba, Michigan, the daughter of John and Mildred (Halesky) Gannon. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Church in Escanaba, where she also attended St. Patrick’s Grade School.

Suzanne graduated from Holy Name High school in Escanaba in 1966 and Central Michigan University in 1970 with a bachelor degree in business education. She was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority while attending CMU.

After graduation from CMU, she worked for the Ford Motor Company as a tax analyst at their World Headquarters in Dearborn until her retirement in June of 2003.

Suzanne married Leonard J. Max, the love of her life, on October 19, 1973, at St. Norbert Church in Inkster, Michigan. They met while living in the same apartment complex at Cherry Hill Apartments in Dearborn Heights. They were united in marriage for 27 wonderful years.

Suzanne and Len loved spending time in the U.P., such as many summers at Sandy Shores Cottages on Lake Michigan near Suzanne’s hometown of Escanaba, Mackinac Island and at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Len felt it was the closest thing to heaven. They also enjoyed spending many of their wedding anniversaries each fall at a cabin in the Traverse City area.

Suzanne was a loving advocate and caregiver for many years for Len until his death after he suffered an aneurysm and a stroke in his forties.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, parents, John and Mildred, and her “fur babies”, Tappan, Maggie, and Mandy Rose.

She is survived by her brother, Jack (Jackie) of Acworth, Georgia; her sister, Nancy (Norman ) of Appleton, Wisconsin; brother, Patrick (Sue) of Escanaba, Michigan; many nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Suzanne found much comfort and love in the friendship of her friends/neighbors over the years who became her “extended family.” Suzanne’s family is deeply appreciative of the love and kindness shown to her by them.

One of Suzanne’s favorite prayers was “Footprints” which gave her much comfort.

A memorial service was held at St. Linus Catholic Church in Dearborn Heights on June 23.

A graveside ceremony will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba on Friday, September 8, at noon. Family and friends are invited to attend.