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Suzanne Gassman, of Traverse City, passed away on February 1, 2018 surrounded by her loving family at Munson Medical Center. Sue was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 2, 1934 to Charles and Mathilda (Schenk) McGinley. She graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1952 and married her high school sweetheart Norton Gassman just three months later, on September 13th.

Shortly after their wedding, Sue and Norton moved to Pensacola, Florida where he served in the U.S. Navy. Soon after, they shipped out to Italy. Sue passed down many stories to her children and grandchildren of her adventures as a 19-year old new wife and mother in Naples, Italy. After serving four years, Nort and Sue returned to Traverse City where they raised their family. Sue retired from her job as a noon duty aide and teacher's aide at Long Lake Elementary School in 1997. She and Nort enjoyed their retirement by traveling the United States and spending time with their family.

Sue enjoyed working in her garden, hosting family get-togethers, vacationing on Rice Lake in the Upper Peninsula, and spending time with her grandchildren. Whether pulling a wagon load of toddlers to the Cherry Festival, camping out with Gramps, roasting marshmallows in the backyard, or playing Monopoly for a 3-day stretch, Sue was recently described as the perfect Grandma. Her daughters and grandchildren will cherish the memories she made with them and the stories she made come alive.

She is survived by her four daughters, Ann (John) Silny of Hemet, California, Linda Anderson, Nancy (Mark) Walters, and Katie (Ken) Kubesh all of Traverse City, along with 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother-in-law and cherished U.P. pasty-eating partner, Bernard St. Pierre as well as her niece and nephew. Preceding her in death were her parents, her sister, Kathleen St. Pierre, her husband Norton Gassman, her son William Charles Gassman, and son-in-law, Dennis Anderson.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held this spring at Linwood Cemetery. Those wishing an expression of sympathy may do so to the Munson Hospice House in memory of her husband Norton Gassman and her son, William Gassman or the organization of one's choice. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guest book and share a message with the family.