Susan (Sue) Ann Schubert Johnson, 88 of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023.

Sue was born on October 28, 1934, in Petoskey, MI to the late Arthur and Ruth Featherly Schubert. Sue and her family lived in the Ewen-Chatham-Rockford region of Michigan's upper peninsula. When Sue was six her father became very ill, only telling her that he had hurt his back "pulling carrots from the garden". Sadly, Sue's father passed and it was during that time that Sue decided she would become a nurse.

Sue moved with her mother and two siblings to East Lansing, where her mother remarried. Over the years the family lived in Miami, New York (Brooklyn-New Hyde Park), and Detroit. The family returned to East Lansing at the war's end in 1945, then settled in Traverse City by the spring of 1946.

Sue's school activities included Concert Choir, Pep Club, Latin, Dramatics, and Future Nurses Club. She was a "Black & Gold" staffer, a member of drama committees, a member of the Bo-Gi council, Chairman of the Junior Prom and Senior Christmas Party, and Secretary-Treasurer of her Sophomore class. Sue was also active in Girl Scouts and 4-H.

Sue earned her Bachelor of Science from the Michigan State University Nursing Education Degree Program in 1956. Sue's career included surgical, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatric, Ear Nose and Throat, and Emergency Room nursing.

While working as Head Nurse of the Children's Clinic at Munson Hospital, Sue married her high school sweetheart the late Henry "Hank" Johnson at the Central Methodist Church in Traverse City on June 17, 1957.

Sue and Hank began their lives in Pensacola, California where Hank was a Navy Ensign and Sue was a surgical nurse. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Hank was deployed to the Western Pacific for nine months. Sue and five-month-old Steven returned to Traverse City, where she lived with her parents while working at Munson Hospital.

After Hank's deployment, Sue and Hank moved to Ann Arbor. Sue worked at Ann Arbor's Veteran's Administration and supported the family while Hank attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. While Sue was supporting the family, the couple's second child arrived and Sue was resourceful enough to secure the purchase of their first house. Sue continued her work at the V.A. Hospital during Hank's two-year teaching fellowship, during which time two more children were born.

Hank would recall, "If you examine the years since Sue's nursing school graduation, you realize the only times when she wasn't a practicing nurse was when she was a patient in a delivery room. And even then she most probably was giving some orders to someone."

While working full time in Ann Arbor Sue also taught Sunday School, directed vacation bible school, sang in the choir, and was active in the Women's Fellowship and was a Boy Scout Den Mother.

When Hank opened his practice in Traverse City in 1969, Sue took on her life's most important job; stay-at-home mom and full-time homemaker. She also dedicated her time as a volunteer for the Symphony Women's Club, Garden Club, Child Study Club, Traverse City Library, Calvary Presbyterian Church, 4-H Club, and Girl Scouts. Sue also served as Chairman of the YMCA Tennis Committee, twice President of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, President of the PTA, Secretary of the TCHS Music Boosters, and room mother in her children's schools.

Sue had a love and talent in the world of arts and crafts. She was an excellent seamstress who made and altered clothing for her family including prom dresses and even a wedding dress. Sue was a master at needlework such as knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, and needlepoint. She made dolls and doll garments for her children and grandchildren and made hundreds of soft plushies for Operation Christmas Child up to her last day. There were few challenges beyond Sue's skills. She truly did great work, which in truth, is also a metaphor for her life.

With all of Sue's talents, service to her community, and sacrifice for her family, she never sought to draw attention to herself. She shied away from the spotlight while supporting others to shine. Her humbleness, soft-spoken demeanor, and genuine love profoundly blessed anyone who had the honor of knowing her.

Sue is survived by her children, Steven Johnson, Karen (Dag) Jorstad, and Mary (James) Pittel, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and many of her siblings.

Susan is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hank, and her son David.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Central United Methodist Church at 11 AM, with a visitation beginning at 10 SM. Burial will take place next to her husband Hank and son David at Oakwood Cemetery in the Fall. Memorial contributions may be directed to P.E.O Chapter EH. Checks can be made out to P.E.O. Chapter EH Checks can be mailed to: Linda Cline, 979 Lake Ridge Drive Unit #10, Traverse City MI 49684 Information about P.E.O. can be found at https://www.peointernational.org/
Kindly share thoughts and memories with Sue's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com