Obituary: Susan M. DuRussel

Susan Marie DuRussel, 63, of Manchester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at her home after a 2- year battle with brain cancer. She was born on June 18, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan to Authur and Eleanor (Graczyk) Otlewski. She was a 1974 graduate of Dexter High School.

Sue was known as a light-hearted and vibrant individual, with a big smile, contagious laugh and spirited dance moves. Sue really loved to be surrounded by flowers. She married the love of her life, Pat DuRussel, in 1977 after meeting at the Wolverine. She took pride in her work at the WISD, where she provided support to emotionally impaired young adults to integrate them into the community. She was a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan and loved spending time raising a glass with her friends and family. Susie-Q will be greatly missed.

Sue is survived by her adoring husband, Pat; her loving children, Lisa DuRussel of Manchester and Patrick (Lina) DuRussel of Lilla edet, Sweden; her grandchildren, Ossian, Lily and Sigge; her mother Eleanor Otlewski; her sisters, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father in 1974, her Step-dad, Robert Wendlandt in 1999; and her sister Gloria in 2015.

A memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, August 19, 2019 from 6 – 8 pm and Tuesday, August 20, 2019 from 10 am – 12 pm at Borek Jennings Funeral Home: Manchester Chapel (207 E. Duncan St, Manchester, MI 48158). A Celebration of Sue’s life will take place at 12:00 pm following the gathering with Rev. Fr. Bosco Padamattammal to serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions may be directed to her grandchildren’s educational trust, which is located at Edward Jones in Manchester, or may be directed to a charity of one’s choice. Please leave a message of comfort for Sue’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.