Susan Lynn Lyman

September 9, 1949 - August 2, 2021

Susan Lynn Lyman, 71, of Traverse City passed away peacefully at her home on August 2, 2021 with her family by her side. Susan was born on September 9, 1949 in Benton Harbor, to the late Donald Carl and Betty Jane (Woods) Swanson. Susan grew up in Benton Harbor, loving the beaches and waters of Lake Michigan. On August 30, 1969, Susan married her best friend Gregory Alan Lyman in Benton Harbor. Living in Lansing, Susan received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Michigan State University. Susan was an outstanding educator, teaching high school English, Literature and Health in Potterville for 36 years. After her retirement in 2008, Susan and Greg moved to their home on the Old Mission Peninsula overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay. In retirement, Susan started a Polish Pottery business, which she operated in Traverse City for many years. She continued her interest in antiques and attending musical performances at Wharton Center and the City Opera House. During the summer, Susan enjoyed being at the lake with her children and grandchildren. During the winter, Susan was known for her legendary Christmas parties, replete with decorations and food. Susan’s annual trips to the beaches of Florida and Mexico were essential. She loved to travel and Susan fondly remembered trips to Hawaii, England, Italy, Brazil and Costa Rica. Susan was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. As a strong advocate for her children and grandchildren, she was lovingly known as “a force to be reckoned with.” Susan was strong and independent, yet loving and compassionate. She will always be remembered by her family and all who knew and experienced life with her. Susan will be greatly missed by her husband of 51 years, Greg; her children, Bretton Lyman of Monterrey, Mexico; Megan (Geoff) Feil of Alpharetta, Georgia; Cortney (Chris) Danbrook of Traverse City; Hilary (Ross Bower) Lyman Bower of Okemos; her grandchildren, Samantha and Emma Feil, Brogan and Hudson Danbrook, Mya, Anora and Beckham Bower; and her brother, Donald C. (Vicki) Swanson. Susan will be laid to rest at the Peninsula Township Cemetery. The family will celebrate her life on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 4pm at the family home on Smokey Hollow Road, which is open to all who knew her. Her family will lead the service of love and remembrance. Memorial contributions in her honor may be directed to the Traverse City Opera House or to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with her family.