Nora Susan Carducci

Nora Susan Carducci (1947-2020)

Nora Susan Carducci died January 6, 2020, one month after being hospitalized for a sudden onset of cancer. She was known to family and friends as Sue, after her maternal grandmother. Sue was born Nora Susan Dillon on August 29, 1947 in Bay City, Michigan. She grew up in Berkley, Michigan, and lived in Royal Oak, Michigan. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was known as an expert scratch baker, an avid gardener, and a lover of music, books, film, art, and dance. For more than 25 years, Sue danced the Irish Sets, a form of folk dancing derived from 18th-century quadrilles and popular in rural Ireland. A highlight of her enthusiasm for sets was to perform on stage with the Chieftains as part of their 2000 "Water from the Well" tour.

Although not formally trained, Sue sketched and made collages. She created intricate handmade birthday, Valentine's Day, and other special-occasion cards for family members that combine a wide range of techniques and materials along with images and messages customized to the recipient. These creations are cherished by those who have received them as expressions of her love.

Sue will be remembered fondly by those who knew her for her wit, intelligence, curiosity, and highly developed sense of right. She was committed to social justice, the environment, and other progressive causes.

From childhood, Sue vacationed in the spring, summer, and fall in Charlevoix, Michigan and for 35 years shared a home there with family members. She loved the water and patronized local art galleries, farmers' markets, and shops. As recently as this past October, she walked the beaches of Lakes Michigan and Charlevoix, searching for rocks to add to her collection.

Sue is survived by her husband of 37 years Vincent Carducci, daughter Colette (J.J.) Spaulding of Escabana, Michigan, son Paul (Tracy) Cassady of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and grandchildren Grace Ouwinga, Caleb Ouwinga, and Declan Cassady in whom she took special delight. She is also survived by her older brother Michael (Ann) Dillon of Lathrup Village, Michigan, and younger sister Kimberly (Brad) Winther of Clarkston, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to WDET 101.9 FM Detroit Public Radio, WUOM Michigan Radio, or College for Creative Studies Friends of CCS Galleries. A memorial celebration is being scheduled for a later date.