Susan L. Carpenter

Susan Lee Carpenter, 68, of Lincoln and Tawas City Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 21, 2023.  She was at the family farm on M-72, the same place she was lovingly raised and nurtured throughout her life.

Susan was born on June 12, 1955, the first child of Doc and Eva Carpenter.  From an early age, she was taught the values of faith, family, hard work, loyalty, education, and caring for others.  These values she carried with her throughout her life.  As a child growing up, she developed a passion for knitting and sewing.  She was a long-time member of the 4H, primarily involved in knitting, and earned a steady stream of blue ribbons for her beautiful, flawless work.  She carried this passion throughout her life, especially around quilting.  When travelling she was always aware of where the nearest quilt shop was and the distinct style differences in quilts made in that area. 

She was a lifetime member of the Lincoln United Methodist Church, attending services, Sunday School, and church events.  As a member she learned the importance of faith and the power of prayer in her life.  We are sure she moves into eternity to a better place.

As a child, Susan developed an interest in music.  She learned piano and played clarinet in the concert and marching bands throughout her years at Alcona High School.  Her passion for doing things right led her to earning the First Chair Clarinet.  Another love of Susan’s was sailing and racing on the waters of Lake Huron, a passion shared with her father.  She became an accomplished and tenacious helmsman, driving the boat to numerous victories all over Lake Huron.  She developed a strong sense of independence as she sailed the boat, both day and night from one race site to another with only her younger brothers as crew. 

Upon graduation from high school, Susan followed in her parents’ footsteps and attended Michigan State University.  She was passionate about her education, earning a degree in Medical Technology in 1977.  She was equally passionate about all things Green and White, cheering the Spartans to victory in all sporting events, especially football.  Throughout her life there was not a more loyal Spartan than Susan, she was FOR all things Green and White, and down on all things Blue.  We are sure that as she passed, the first words from her were “Go Green!”

Upon graduation from MSU, Susan started work in the Lab at Tawas St. Joseph Hospital.  She worked there for 44 years, always focused on being a part of a team that offered exceptional patient care.  Her passion for doing things accurately and perfectly served her well in her responsibilities in the lab, making sure the doctors and patients received accurate reliable lab information.  She took pride in her work and was very dedicated and loyal to her coworkers, patients, and early on to the hospital and the role it played in the Tawas Community.  Many of her closest friends in life were people she met through work. 

Susan was happiest when she was gathering with family and friends.  She loved to be creative and detailed in the kitchen, making something special for others to eat, or giving a gift to another that was special and wrapped and packaged with care and love.  She was a devoted daughter, providing care and love to her parents Doc and Eva as they struggled with health issues in their later lives.  She is survived by two brothers, Martin of Lincoln, and Ralph of Falmouth, Maine.  She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Susan, a niece Catherine and a nephew John, both of whom she was very proud.  One of Susan’s last great joys was attending Catherine’s college graduation and family celebration in Winston Salem North Carolina this past summer.  Susan was especially close to her brother Martin, and they were a great team, caring for and accompanying each other on many adventures and tasks. 

Susan’s focus in life was always on others, family, friends, patients, and pets.  She constantly sacrificed activities that brought attention to herself, and always prioritized caring for others.  Her presence will be missed, but her spirit will long be remembered by those who loved her. 

A visitation for Susan will take place on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 2:00 until 5:00 PM at Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln.  Memorial donations are suggested to the Alcona Historical Society.