Susan Messinger

Susan Messinger, beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. She was 86.

Born on December 19, 1939, to Katherine (Minogue) Clausen and John Clausen, Susan grew up on the south side of Chicago, the second of five children. Her older brother Bill, who was like a twin to her, died when she was nineteen, but her living siblings Patricia Farrell, Michael Clausen, and Gerard Clausen will cherish her memory.

Susan was a devoted mother of three: Marc David Messinger, Lisa Rachel Messinger, and Todd Aaron Messinger, and treasured her children above all else.

A woman of discerning taste, Susan put a high value on intellect, class, kindness, humor, education and the arts. She was a voracious reader who often fell asleep at night with a biography or important literary novel in her lap, classical music playing softly in the background. Anyone who knew her knew she had a lifelong appreciation for the finer things, had impeccable taste and was generous to a fault. She adored Scottish terriers and each one that came into her life became her constant companion. One of her greatest joys was walking with her Scottie around her neighborhood and befriending other dog parents.

Susan was as happy with a Malnati's pizza and a Heineken as she was with a juicy filet mignon and a glass of wine, especially if she could enjoy it with her beloved best friend, Kenny. She delighted in taking pictures of those dear to her, and amassed a vast collection of photos of her children, dogs, Kenny, and everyone else she held close to her heart.

Susan was a beauty, often compared in her younger years to actress Kim Novak, and had many admirers in her lifetime. She was generous, affectionate, supportive and encouraging to her friends and her children, for whom she always wanted the best. She could be infuriatingly stubborn and tended to wear her emotions on her sleeve, but modeled strength and resilience when confronted with life's many sorrows. She treated everyone with respect and decency and was deeply proud to consider herself both Jewish and Irish, endeavoring to live her life embodying the proverbs and other words of wisdom from both cultures that she displayed around her home.

She was kind and loving, and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

May Susan’s memory bring comfort to all who loved her.