Susan Diane Chesney, a devoted educator and beloved wife passed away at Cordia retirement community in Traverse City, Michigan on March 21, 2025 at the age of 79.
Born in Highland Park, Michigan, to Burt and Jane Moutlon, Susan grew up in Berkley, where she attended Berkley Public Schools. She pursued her passion for education at Central Michigan University earning a degree in primary education, later obtaining a master's degree in education. Susan dedicated her career to shaping young minds, teaching at Angell Elementary School in Berkley for her entire professional life. She was a mentor and inspiration to countless students, leaving an enduring impact on the community she served.
Beyond her dedication to education, Susan was known for her impeccable fashion sense and love of fine clothing and jewelry. She had an appreciation for the finer things in life, including fine dining and she brought elegance and charm to every occasion. She also had a delightful and whimsical love for frogs, collecting them in various forms and embracing their symbolism of transformation and renewal.
Susan found her greatest joy in spending time with her many friends and extended family, especially her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great nephews. Her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit made every gathering special, and she will be deeply missed by those who love her.
In her early 50s, Susan retired to her cherished home on Grand Traverse Bay in Kewadin, Michigan, where she enjoyed the beauty of nature and the peacefulness of the water and occasional swans. She also enjoyed feeding deer and watching them right outside of their window.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Michael W. Chesney, who was her steadfast partner and greatest love.
She is preceded in death by her brother in laws Robert Chesney and Jon Chesney. She is also survived by her sister in law Susan Chesney (Jon's wife) from Muskegon as well as her niece Leigh Eckerman and her husband Jamie and their children, Madeline, Alexander and Elizabeth as well as her nephew Charlie Chesney and his wife Lauren and their sons, Daric, his wife Danielle, Cooper, Wyatt, and Garrett. She is also survived by her brother in law Jim Chesney and his wife Chrissy and their children, Merideth Chesney and her husband AlecRademaker , Eric and Brenden as well as Susan's sister in law Susan Carew and her husband Kevin from Davie, Florida and their two sons, Robert and his wife Alexandra and Jack and his partner Julianna Restrepo. Finally, she is survived by her nephew Lawrence (Trace) Wentworth and his husband Patrick Jakeway of Saugatuck, Michigan.
Susan wished for cremation to take place. Please join us on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 3-5pm for toasting and celebrating the amazing life of Susan. Bring your memories, laughter and favorite stories.
A complimentary table of Susan's beloved frog collection will be available. Take one that speaks to you to remember her by.
Please RSVP at https://evite.me/2VK353fGZU .
In honor of Susan's life and passion for the arts, donations may be made in her name to the Dennos Museum in Traverse City, where she and Michael were long-time docents.