Suzanne Marie Barrera, 72 of Northport died on May 9, 2022 at Munson Hospice House with her loving family at her side.

Suza was born on November 3, 1949 in Flint, MI to the late Dr. William Harold and Violet June (Ormstead) Mertz. She married Joe Barrera on July 31,1993.

She was a graduate of the University of Michigan-Flint and was a proud member of the Ski Team. Suza later became an apprentice and Journeyman Metrologist. She worked for many years in General Motors skilled trades.

After retirement Suza and Joe moved to Northport, MI and both operated their own businesses, By the Bay Scrapbooking and Leelanau Cigar's - Joe's Place. They were both active members of the Suttons Bay community and the Leelanau Democrats club. Watching sunsets together was a favorite pastime.

Suza was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and participated in Church and community choirs throughout her life. Most recently she enjoyed her time singing with the Northport Village Voices.

Surviving Suza is her husband Joe, sister Meribeth Mertz, nephews, Jason (Tou) Bowles and Adam Bowles and great-nephew Michael, sister-in-law Patricia Mertz, nephews and Bill and Mike, nieces Laura and Lisa and all their families; step-children, Deidre Snider, Arianna Barrera, Christina Barrera, Nicole Barrera, step-grandchildren, Evie, Nick, and Emmalee and many other loving family members and friends.

Suza is preceded in death by her parents and her brother William H. Mertz III.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date at Our Risen Lord Lutheran Church in Burton, MI. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Leelanau County Cancer Foundation, 6991 Swede Rd, Northport, MI 49670.


Please sign Suza's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.