Suzanne "Sue" Schubert

Suzanne "Sue" Schubert, 88, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully August 6, 2023.

Sue was born on October 8, 1934, to the late Wayne and Geraldine (Porter) Cowell, in Ann Arbor, MI. She was one of two daughters. Her family moved to Traverse City when Sue was 14 years old. After graduating from Traverse City Central High School, Sue attended Michigan State University, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She eventually earned a bachelors degree from MSU, completing her studies after she was married.

She married Arthur Schubert, at Central United Methodist Church, on August 7, 1954. Soon after, Art joined the U.S. Army, and was stationed in West Germany, where Sue eventually joined him following her first transoceanic voyage. While in West Germany, Sue and Art were bitten by the travel bug, making side trips to many of the well-known sites of Europe. When Art left the U.S. Army in the fall of 1956, the Schuberts set up permanent housekeeping in Traverse City, first at their Indian Trail home, and then moving to their newly built home on Huron Hills Drive in 1965. During this time, Sue and family spent one year living in New Zealand in 1963-64 as part of Art's participation in a teacher exchange program.

Sue and Art enjoyed most anything outdoors, including skiing, boating, camping and hiking, as well as traveling throughout America. They also engaged their children in many of these activities, making a point, through legendary road trips, to introduce them to the amazing wonders of the country. They particularly enjoyed hiking and skiing out West, and in particular frequenting National Parks, continuing to do so into their late 70's. Sue and Art were dog lovers and continued a regular regimen of dog walking throughout their adult lives, with brief interruptions between dogs to drive to Alaska (twice).

Sue was happiest being surrounded by family, whether during holidays and birthdays, or at other special times at the house, the family cabin or the beach at Cathead. Sue was a devoted mother, grandmother and daughter, spending countless hours sewing Halloween costumes, doing copper enameling and other artisanal activities in her mother's studio, being a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout leader, and baking birthday cakes. She loved to involve her children and grandchildren in various crafts, making Christmas cookies, dying Easter eggs and learning many the wonders of the world, from astronomy to wilderness exploration. Sue was a game player, teaching everyone Mah Jong, Bridge, and most anything else from her supply of games, and often instigating a family game on weekend nights.

She was also involved in her community, being a member of the Friendly Garden Club, volunteering for the VASA and participating in the renovation of the City Opera House, among other things. For many years Art and Sue regularly engaged in round dancing with a local club, and participated in an informal bridge club with a group of close friends.

Sue is survived by her four children; Art (Linda), Mike (Deb), Penny (Jim) and Kathy (Mickey). Grandchildren; Glen (Lyndsay), Marian (Chris), Erik (Sarah), Tina (John), Connor (Hannah), Ryan, Devon, Amanda, Melanie and Chloe, as well as great grandchildren; Detric, Theodore, Jocelyn, Rilynn and Adia. She is also survived by her sister Joey Bensley, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Art, and her parents, Wayne and Geraldine Cowell.

Those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to direct contributions to Hickory Hills Ski Area or the Traverse City Botanical Gardens.

A visitation will take place on Friday September 1, 2023 from 5-7pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.