Karen Suski

SUSKI (RADER), Karen Vernice

Of Flushing, age 70, died peacefully and faithfully at home, surrounded by her family on June 18th, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.

We will celebrate Karen’s beautiful life with a visitation from 1-7 P.M. with Rosary Ceremony to follow at 7 P.M. on Monday, June 21st, at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road in Flint, MI 48507. Visitation on Tuesday, June 22nd at 10 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 A.M. at St. John Vianney Church, 2415 Bagley St. Flint, MI 48504.

Father Tom Firestone officiating.

Entombment following Mass at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4142 Flushing Rd., Flint, MI 48504.　

Karen was born in Flint, Michigan on October 21st, 1950 to the late Donald James and Vernice Clymena (Warren) Rader. She would meet her soulmate, Andrew David Suski, when the two were just three years old and their parents moved in three houses apart on Comanche Avenue in Flint. While growing up, Karen enjoyed dancing, shopping downtown Flint with her mom on Saturdays and building lifelong friendships with the neighborhood kids. Andy always had his eye on Karen; they loved to tease one another, especially in the pool. When Andy turned 16, he found the courage to call Karen and ask her out on a date to see the movie Dr. Shavago and they have been together ever since.

Karen graduated from Southwestern High School in 1968. She learned a strong work ethic from her parents and never walked away from a big job. Throughout her life, she worked at Schaeffer’s Bakery, Flint Rubber Stamp Company and helped run the first family business, Maintenance Plus, as well as Christy’s Eatery and Pub. Karen and Andy married on October 10th, 1970 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. They bought a house together on Menominee Ave., just 3 blocks from where their love story began. Karen and Andy started their family with a daughter, Christy Rachel, in 1974 and then welcomed their son, Andrew Donald, in 1976.

Karen and Andy then built a house on Wesley Drive and moved to nearby Flushing to raise their family. Karen held down the fort at home while also helping Andy begin his career in the car business. Karen always supported Andy and all of his creative business endeavors. Karen was the neighborhood mom that welcomed all the kids and she was a loving second mom to so many. Karen was a sports fanatic—watching and cheering on anyone and everyone at any sport, but her granddaughters were her favorite athletes of all time. Karen was born to be a mother and a grandmother, and she adored her days spent watching her granddaughters from the time they were newborns. She was in attendance at every school party, field trip, concert, play and game. Karen absolutely loved to make and keep family traditions; such as family dinners, holiday celebrations, euchre parties, summers on the boat in Traverse City, walks on the beach in Marco Island and her famous chocolate chip cookies. Karen and Andy always looked forward to their annual trips around Michigan and the world with their beloved high school friends. Last year, Karen and Andy were blessed to celebrate 50 years of marriage together with their family on beautiful Mackinac Island.　

Karen is now joyously reunited in Heaven with her parents, Don and Vee. Her living family and friends eagerly await our reunion with her. Karen is survived by her adoring husband, Andy, her daughter, Christy (Jason) Lord, her son, Andy (Heather Atkins) Suski, exchange student son, Peter (Elinor) Elfstrom, her grandchildren, Carley (James) Koch, Haley (Lewis) Jones, Quincy (Torey Barber) Davis, Maysa Davis, Brooklyn Davis, Macy Lord, Chandler Davis, great grandsons Jordan Koch and Carter Brewington, big brother, Don (Carol) Rader, many adored nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, as well as cherished friends, Terry and Judy Sweet and family, and Joe and Kathy Palumbo and family. A heartfelt thank you to all of Karen’s High School Angels who never gave up on their girlfriend and to the family and friends who sent Karen encouraging cards throughout her treatment.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Right To Life—Genesee County.