Suzette Cooley-Sanborn

Suzette Cooley-Sanborn, 69, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 30, 2025, while visiting Bois Blanc Island, her happy place! Suzette was born April 25,1956 in Dearborn, Michigan to the late Jack and Eileen (Korbi) Cooley.

Suzette married John V. Sanborn on May 5, 1990 on Bois Blanc Island. They shared many happy memories over the years. They built a home on the island, and made it their summer destination. Each fall they returned to Traverse City where Suzette worked for TBAISD as a Special Education Teacher. Her 31 years as a teacher also included time with Westland Schools.

Suzette's interests were varied. She loved to cook and bake. She found time to relax with cross-stitch, and comfort in a good book. In recent years, she joined friends in playing Mahjong. Suzette was active in variety of nature focused causes. She loved the outdoors, and she and John took on the challenge of raising bees in a bear filled woods.

Suzette was a member of Williamsburg United Methodist Church, the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, GT Lighthouse Association, and the GT Area of Retired School Personnel.

Suzette is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, John Sanborn, their dog, Coco, a sister, Kristine Cooley, brother-in-law James Sanborn (Susy), sisters-in-law Mary Pratt (Sam), and Sarah Lackie, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother-in-law Patrick Lackie.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Suzette's life on Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Memorials may be directed to Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, or the Cherryland Humane Society.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Suzette's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .