Suzanne "Sue" Chambers

Suzanne “Sue” Chambers was a woman of true character, with a love for teaching and learning, a love only exceeded by the passion she held for her family and grandchildren that she held so dear to her heart.

Suzanne was born in Bloomington, Indiana on March 20, 1931. Sue grew up with her parents William and Mary (Williams) Farrish, and her sister Sara. While her mother stayed home with the girls, her father worked a variety of jobs, including running a hotel and ice cream store. Sue’s father died in 1960, and her mother later remarried Paul Hill.

A very bright girl and excellent student, Sue graduated from Elwood High School in 1949, and went on to attend Indiana University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Business. She then pursued a Master’s degree in both Business and Education at Western Michigan University. Upon graduating, Sue did not start her career as an educator right away. She got married shortly after college and had two wonderful children: Deb and Greg, who she devoted her time to in order to raise them well.

Sue had big expectations for her children, and always showed great patience while helping them achieve their goals. Aside from their studies, Sue encouraged her children in all of their after school activities as well. Her years of encouragement and influence eventually paid off as both of her children went on to become dedicated teachers – Deb in the Bay City schools, and Greg at Portage Central, where he is also an assistant football coach, as well as assistant lacrosse coach at Sue’s alma mater, WMU. The successes of their lives are a great testimony to Sue’s parenting!

While her kids were growing up, Sue took them on some unforgettable trips. One of their favorites was to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where they visited all of the historic sights and landmarks. Another trip was to Panama City, Florida spending time at the sandy beaches. Traditionally, all of the holidays were spent with the grandparents. Later in life when Sue was a grandmother herself, she greatly enjoyed the time spent with her grandchildren, and her precious great granddaughter, Lauren. Deb and Greg positively agreed that the grandkids got away with a lot more than they ever did. When she wasn’t spending time with her family, Sue enjoyed the company of her two cats that she adopted from the Angola Animal Shelter, as well as tending to her birdfeeders in her back yard. Sue served on the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Steuben County in Angola, Indiana.

Sue raised her children in and around Danville, Illinois for about 10 years, before moving to Albion, Michigan. Here, she was an educator in the Albion Public Schools. She taught in the schools before becoming the Assistant Superintendent, and also taught at Albion College. Later, Sue moved to Angola, Indiana, where she lived for many years on Lake James. After getting divorced, Sue started fresh in Eaton, Ohio where Sue eventually married Paul Hobbs. Sadly, Paul died in June of 2007 after only 2 years of marriage.

After Sue retired, she began traveling more often, including trips abroad. Sue always enjoyed her frequent trips with Patsy and Dottie to their favorite warm spots. A trip to Greece with the Trine family was a very fond memory. Sue was very close to her sister Sara, and enjoyed spending time with her, catching up or lunching out. When she was home, Sue loved spending time in her garden. She was always great company, and her family and friends will always remember her great laugh. Sue loved her life with her children, grandchildren, great granddaughter, pets, gardens and her fishing poles! She will be greatly missed.

Sue passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2008, in Michigan where she lived for a short time to be closer to her family. She will be cremated and no services are planned. Sue is survived by her two children: Deb (Morley) Fraser of Bay City, and Greg (Becky) Chambers of Portage; 4 grandchildren: Jeff (Danielle) Fraser; Katie Fraser; Brian and Chris Chambers; 1 great granddaughter, Lauren Fraser. She is also survived by her sister, Sara (Daniel) Wright, sister-in-law, Patsy Chambers, the Toth family, and several nieces and nephews.

Please visit Sue’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a favorite memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Steuben County, 1700 N. 200, West Angola, IN 46703 or Kalamazoo Humane Society, 4239 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49001.