Susan Ellen Shea

April 11, 1950 - February 14, 2016

Susan Shea passed away under hospice care in Lansing Michigan, on Sunday, February 14th, 2016. She is survived by her husband, John, daughter, Margaret, brothers Jim (Jana) Murphy and Tom (Barbara) Murphy, sister Janet Murphy, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Lucille (Dailey) Murphy, and her sister Jane Murphy. Susan was born in Jackson, Michigan, the middle of five children. She enjoyed books, rock & roll, Halloween, hosting holiday gatherings, dancing, and travel. Childhood trips to Mackinac Island instilled a lifelong affection for the Grand Hotel, where she worked summers during college. The Island became the place she brought family and friends to experience its beauty, charm and fudge. Susan had a passion for riding horses and, with her horse Cupie, she earned a medal in dressage. Susan graduated from Michigan State University with a BA and MA in English. She taught high school for several years, and then had a lively career as a concert promoter in Charlevoix, Michigan. Susan loved being a mother to Margaret, and devoted herself to the task. It was with great pride that Susan watched Margaret graduate with honors from MSU and become a medical technologist. Known for her creativity, insight and organizational abilities, Susan was a valued volunteer, and served on the East Lansing Library Board. Susan supported her mother and her sister Jane during their illnesses and saw her husband through his recent surgery. Susan was no stranger to the harder side of life, but she always made room for family and friends when they needed her compassion or advice. She was the tender heart of her family. People were drawn to Susan's lively personality and loving kindness, which will remain her lasting legacy. Family and friends will gather at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing, on Saturday, February 20th at 4 PM to say final good-byes. For those wishing to honor her memory through a charitable donation, please consider the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) or WAI-IAM (wai-iam.com). WAI-IAM was founded by Susan's cousin Jaque Schweitzer-Liebner, and helps people live in recovery from substance abuse and associated mental health disorders.