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Janice Susanin Obituary
Des Moines, Iowa
Janice (Cunningham) Susanin, 78, died from a heart ailment on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 in Des Moines at Mercy Hospital while surrounded by family.
Jan was born in Wichita, KS in 1936. Her college education began in Omaha at Creighton University and she graduated from Newman College in 1958. Shortly, after graduation she married Edward Susanin. Janice worked for Drake University as a lab instructor and later worked as the Director of the University of Iowa Hygienic Lab in the newborn screening section for the identification of metabolic and genetic disorders for 30 years.
Jan was a proud mother of 5 and grandmother of 8. Jan was passionate about women's rights and was outspoken on issues relating to equality. She volunteered for Planned Parenthood. Her passions included shopping, travel, golf, good food and laughter. Jan was a voracious reader. She was well known for her artistic eye, knowledge of current events and pop culture. Janice and Edward recently became residents of Scottish Rite Park where they had made many new friends.
Jan is survived by her husband of 57 years, Edward and by children Breaca (Charles) Lozier, Andrew (Sarah) Susanin, Sean Susanin, Michael Susanin, Sandra (Jon) Latch and by grandchildren: Emily and Samuel Susanin, Margaret and Ted and Helen Lozier, and Lucas and Frances and Liam Latch and by her siblings Lorna Dedrick, Sandy Cunningham, and Wathen Cunningham and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Hughes and Helen Cunningham, sister in law Barbara Cunningham, and daughter in law Becky Zallek.
Family will greet friends from 1:00PM-3:00PM on Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 with a memorial service at 3:00PM at Dunn's Funeral Home, 2121 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood of Greater Des Moines and to the Becky Zallek Disc Golf Fund https://www.desmoinesfoundation.org/beckyzallekdiscgolf
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janice Susanin
October 11, 2015
Still thinking of Janice's well-lived life and loving funeral service. Heartfelt sympathy.
Caroline Levine
Paul Bush
August 23, 2015
A great person, and a great boss. I will always remember her sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. She will be greatly missed. My condolences for the family.
Diana Nelson
August 23, 2015
I so enjoyed talking and laughing with her. She would brighten even the most cloudy days. She shared herself and her outlook on life. I looked forward to her return when she would go away on trips and would share her adventures.She was a treasure and I will miss her greatly.
My deepest sympathy to her family.
Stefany Reed
August 21, 2015
I really thought Jan was a great, rather prolific lady. I'm so sorry to hear she has passed. Sending love to all who knew her and especially to those who called her wife, mom or grandmother.
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Michelle Downey
August 21, 2015
So sorry for your loss. Jan was one of my regular customers at Hy-Vee. I enjoyed her sense a humor, she was always a such a nice lady full of life and great stories. May she rest in peace.
Barb and Paul Friedman
August 21, 2015
So many fond memories of Jan and Susanin family on Ridge Road. Deepest sympathy to your family.
August 21, 2015
For many of us who have lived in the Des Moines Owl's Head neighborhood raising our families at the same time, we fondly remember Jan, a truly great lady with a vibrant, joyful spirit and contagious laugh. We were fortunate to be next door neighbors for ten years and truly loved knowing and sharing our lives with Jan, Ed, Breaca, Andy, Sean, Mike and
Sandy. Our deepest sympathy, heartfelt thoughts, and sincerest prayers are with the Susanin family. -- Hugs, Bev, Anne and John Campbell
Brad Olson
August 21, 2015
Thoughts and Prayers to the whole family....God Bless
August 21, 2015
Peace, love and condolences to the entire Susanin family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Jerri Sue Gienger
Lucas Dedrick and Michael Cuesta
August 21, 2015
Our sympathy and love go out to all the Susanins for the loss of dear Jannie. The Dedrick nephews so fondly remember the Susanin family visits to Wichita and more recently wonderful visits to New York City. Jannie will always be remembered in our hearts.
debbie bryant
August 21, 2015
Beca, we are so sorry for your mom's loss. She was a fine lady and a joy to be around!
August 20, 2015
To the Susanin clan, Im so sorry for your loss! Jannie had the best sense of humor and and an infectious laugh!! She will be so missed!
I love you all!
Amy Cunningham Brock and family
Pat Kosier
August 20, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jan at the Hygienic Lab. She was one of my favorite people. So warm and friendly, always a smile on her face. She was a true friend, made me feel welcomed and appreciated, especially early in my career. We had some fun times working together.
Marty Swartz
August 20, 2015
Mike and Sandy/Jon So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You're in my thoughts. Wishing you peace and strength.
A. M.
August 20, 2015
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
Carol Lucy Sayler
August 20, 2015
Andy and Sarah, our best wishes go out to you and your family.
August 20, 2015
Our sympathies to the Susanin family. Jan was an integral part of our outstanding newborn screening program in Iowa. Her contributions were signifcant and important. As we work to continue to make our newborn screening program one of the best in the country, I'm sure Jan will be an angel on our shoulders and will keep us doing great work! Carol Johnson, Iowa Newborn Screening Follow Up Coordinator
Chris & Mel Butler
August 20, 2015
Thoughts, prayers and hugs to the entire Susanin family on the loss of Janice...she will be greatly missed by many. Let us know if you need anything. God Bless all of you during this difficult time.
Andy & Melissa Keller
August 20, 2015
Andy and Sarah,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Jim VandeBerg
August 20, 2015
My sympathy and prayers to all the family. Andy and Sarah, you are on my mind and in my heart this week especially.
Barbara Harkin
August 19, 2015
Breaca & family
I have fond memories of your Mom. So sorry for your loss.
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