Obituary of Suzanne Barbara Bachman Freye

Suzanne B. Freye, 77, of Roanoke and formerly of Norton Shores, MI, peacefully departed this life on December 28, 2017. Suzanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Herbert L. Freye, her sister-in-law Carol Bartrand, and her parents William and Leona Bachman. Suzanne is survived by sisters, Mary Thompson & husband Bill, and Joan Atwell; brothers-in-law Robert Karl Freye & wife Jean, and Daniel Louis Freye & wife Gloria, Doug Bartrand husband of late sister-in-law Carol; and daughters, Karen Diane Ellexson & husband Thomas, Kristin Laura Freye Benson; grandchildren, Sarah Fleener, and Rylan Ellexson; as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Born March 30, 1940, Suzanne was a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan.  She graduated from Central High School in 1958, and received her B.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan in 1962.  She worked for the Social Security Administration, and was also a copy proofreader for a local publishing house.

Suzanne met her future husband, Herb, while in junior college, and they were married on February 15, 1964. Their first daughter Karen was born in 1967, followed by Kristin in 1972.  Suzanne took great pride in being a mother, wife, and caregiver for the family.  Her hobbies included crafts and a love of nature; she was also a talented cake decorator.  She was also a wonderful baker of Christmas cookies and took great joy in keeping family traditions alive.

Sue loved her grandchildren with devotion. When they were sick with fevers and needed a hand to hold and a washcloth for their forehead, she was there.  She made the best after school snacks, and was always coming up with creative ways to play and learn at the same time. She mastered the art of being a Grandmother and even in her last days would expend her limited energy to ask them about their latest adventures. She did many things well, but her legacy is one of unending devotion to her family.

Visitation is scheduled on Monday, January 1st, from 2-4 pm, with a short prayer and words of remembrance at 3 pm, at Simpson’s Funeral Home in Roanoke, Virginia.  A service for interment of ashes in Norton Shores, Michigan, will be held in June, coordinated through Sytsema Funeral Home Lee Chapel. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540)366-0707.