Susan Ann Ferguson (nee Slamka) passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 27, 2024, after battling cancer for 15 years. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 13, 1950, and spent the majority of her 73-year life residing in Roseville, Michigan, where she graduated from high school, raised her children, and spent 25-years making an impact on future generations through her work at Roseville Community Schools.
Susan was known by many monikers: Sue, Susie, Mom, Mema, Sister, Aunt, Niece, Cousin, Fergie, Ferger-Berger, Baritone, Friend, Colleague, and some may have even just referred to her as “that crazy old lady” at times. Regardless of how she was referenced, she was simply adored by all who knew her. Susie touched the lives of many, and always left a lasting impression with her silly wit, endless class, amazing voice, and sometimes (comically) inappropriate comments. She was a creative soul with a talent for producing masterpieces through several mediums, including traditional forms such as coloring, painting, and origami, as well as custom cakes, purses crocheted out of plastic bags, and she even turned eggshells into works of art!
Susie was well-traveled and enjoyed visiting many cities throughout the United States and Europe, and she was more than thrilled to go on her “bucket list” trip to visit her ancestral homeland of Slovakia in her later years. She also enjoyed camping throughout much of her life, and the Barbershop and Sweet Adelines community will fondly recall memories of singing tags and drinking hop-skip-and-go-nakeds around the campfire in Harrisville during countless Harmony Weekends. Family will smile when thinking about gorging on corn at family reunions, doing the awkward Polish wafer paper kiss ritual at Christmas parties, and close family will surely cherish memories of beaches, bonfires, and sunsets in Caseville while joking about touching Arnold’s stuff. Susan was deeply interested in her family ancestry and proud of her Polish and Slovak heritage; her family was her greatest treasure.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, John and Frances Slamka (nee Krasnicki), her husband Arnold Ferguson, her brothers Ron (Nancy) Slamka, Jack (Kitty) Slamka, and Mike (Sueanne) Slamka, as well her “sweet” pet calico cat Shammy, who was missed by no one.
Susie’s memory will forever be held dear by her sons, Carlo (Rebecca) Badalamenti and Adam (Julie) Badalamenti, as well as her three stepdaughters Beverly (Kevin) Scott, Denise Ferguson, and Sharon (Mark) Hayosh, who affectionately called her “Wicked (stepmother).” Sue was an adoring grandmother to Jonny (Austin) Badalamenti, Beau Badalamenti, Dakota Badalamenti, Samuel Hayosh, Morgan Hayosh, and Mazie Hayosh, and she was absolutely elated to be a great grandmother to Emery Badalamenti. Susie is also survived by her brother Ken (Carol) Slamka, and several nieces, nephews, and other family members.
In lieu of donations, the family invites you to consider donating to the American Cancer Society in Sue’s honor as she was a long-time Relay for Life participant and breast cancer warrior.
A visitation for Susan will be held Friday, November 1, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kaul Funeral Home, 27830 Gratiot Ave., Roseville, Michigan 48066. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 27830 Gratiot Ave., Roseville, Michigan 48066. A committal service and burial will occur Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:45 AM at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 18644 Martin Rd, Roseville, Michigan 48066.
