Suzanne Klinko

Suzanne (Wagner) Klinko, 65, of Jackson , died unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

She was born Suzanne Kay Wagner on Sept. 25, 1941, in Jackson. Preceding her in death were her beloved mother, Velma C. (Hunt) Wagner; her precious daughter, Deborah K. (Mark) Cowell; and the love and partner of her life, Susan J. Roark.

She is survived by her two sons, Gregory D. (Ann) Klinko of Jackson and James C. (Laura) Klinko, of Temperance; her daughter, Shelley M. (Douglas) Koop of Midland; two stepsons, Matthew P. Roark of Atlanta, Ga and Todd M. Roark of Royal Oak; her father, Milton Keith Wagner and her brother, Norman Wagner, both of Beaumont, Texas; as well as seven grandchildren, Andrew Michael, Andrew Joseph, William, Tyler, Wagner, Sean and Suzannah.

Suzanne graduated from Jackson High School in 1960 and was a proud 1982 graduate of Michigan State University. She worked for the Jackson Community Action Agency and AWARE Shelter before pursuing her most fulfilling role as a substance abuse counselor at Chelsea Community Hospital, where she worked until her retirement.

Suzanne was born to help people, whether in her career or as a parent, partner or friend. Her warm, genuine nature drew people to her and she was greatly respected for her character and deep commitment to social justice. She worked her way into the hearts of all those she knew and she demonstrated an unyielding kindness and compassion for which most of us can only strive.

Her family welcomes all friends to join them for a service celebrating the life of this remarkable woman Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, at 3 p.m. at the United Church of Christ, 4100 Chestnut Hill Dr., with The Rev. Beth Rakestraw of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Metropolitan Community Church presiding.

Those wishing to honor her memory with a charitable contribution may wish to consider the Gospel of Jesus Christ Metropolitan Community Church, the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.