Susan K. DeLong's Obituary
Susan K DeLong, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on April 5, 2023, at the age of 75, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 28, 1947, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Levi and Betty (Giles) Jourden. Sue was a proud graduate of Muskegon High School in 1965 and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Western Michigan University. She married her high school sweetheart, Donald R DeLong, on July 8, 1967, at McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, and they enjoyed 58 wonderful years together.
Sue and Don's life together was marked by their service, dedication, and love. During Don's time serving in the Army at Fort Riley, they made their home in Manhattan, Kansas, where Sue pursued her passion for learning by taking classes at Kansas State University. Following their return to Muskegon, Michigan, Sue taught fifth grade at Mona Shores School District for five years before devoting herself wholeheartedly to creating a warm and loving home for her family. Her greatest joy in life came from raising her children and supporting her husband throughout their life together.
Sue's strong Christian faith was the guiding light of her life, and she lived it through her commitment to serving others. Her home was warm and cozy, always impeccably maintained and infused with the mouth-watering aromas of her cooking. Beyond her family, Sue's compassionate heart extended to those in need, regularly sending care cards and homemade meals to brighten their day. In addition to her charitable work, Sue had a vibrant social life, enjoying tennis, bridge, and entertaining in her home. Sue was an active member of her church, serving in many ways including spending years organizing and serving at Sunday morning coffee hours where she provided her delicious treats and warm hospitality to all who came. Sue was always willing to lend a hand and contribute to events and causes that helped others such as Hospice. Sue’s legacy of love and service will be fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Don DeLong; two children: Kristy (Paul) Appleton and Andrew DeLong; four grandchildren: Pierce, Maddie, Carly, and Emily; two brothers: Harry Jourden and Douglas Jourden; sister, Jacquelyn Hornick; and two sisters in-law:
Joyce (Dan) Shehee and Jera (Jim) Laidlaw and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Betty Jourden, and her sister, Michelle Jourden. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be taking place for Sue at 12:00 PM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444. VISITATION will be taking place before the service, starting at 10:30am. Memorial contributions can be made out to Harbor Hospice Foundation and Port City Church, memo: India Ministry. Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.
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