Suzanne Michelle Rooney of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 22nd, surrounded by love. She was witty, kind, strong, funny, and endlessly adventurous, leaving an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on June 7th, 1951 to Frank and Donna Kenedy in Birmingham, Michigan, she grew up alongside her four siblings and attended Marion High School. She attended Eastern Michigan University for two years and completed her education degree at the University of Alaska. She spent time living in California, Alaska, Washington and Colorado prior to settling down in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. 

Suzanne’s love for learning led her to a lifelong career in education. She began teaching in 1974 and excelled in this role. Her students often gave her small trinkets and notes to show they cared. Suzanne’s students were special to her as well. She enjoyed sharing stories of classroom antics with her family. Although she didn’t share the struggles of her students, it was obvious that she thought about them and how to support them long after school let out each day. After she retired from teaching, Suzanne cherished spending her winters in Florida.

Suzanne had a deep and genuine love for her family, always putting them at the center of her world. She had a special way of making people feel seen and cherished. She was the kind of person who could instantly make you feel supported in a difficult moment, offering wisdom, humor, and unwavering care. Suzanne could be hilarious, particularly when teasing her loved ones. She found joy in long, slow days on Lake Wissota, the arts, theatre, and music, and she was always happiest with a good book in hand. She was a devoted grandmother who delighted in teaching and spoiling her grandchildren, and they adored her in return. Whether through her years in the classroom, her volunteer work on the hospital charity board, or simply the way she loved those around her, she touched countless lives. 

Suzanne is survived by her loving husband, Robert Rooney, her daughters, Margaret Fitts and Anne Marie Crosthwaite, sons in law Paul and Nick, grandchildren Rosemary, Cecelia, Sia and Milo, and her four siblings. Though she is gone, her presence lives on in the lessons she taught, the traditions she created, and the love she so freely gave.

A service will be held Saturday, April 5th, at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls for those who wish to honor her life. Visitation begins at 9:30am and the funeral mass is at 11am followed by a celebration of life lunch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chippewa Falls Humane Society in her memory.

As she embarks on this next journey, we find comfort in the words of one of her favorite songs:

"Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day."

 

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

A Memorial Mass for Suzanne M. Rooney was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls.

The Very Rev. Jesse Burish was celebrant of the Memorial Mass assisted by Mass server, Mike Korger. Inurnment was in Hope Mausoleum in Chippewa Falls.

Music during the Mass was provided by Beth Martinek and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Brenda Erickson.