Susanna Papa

1947 - 2025

Susanna "Sue" Teresa (Kaman) Papa 78, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away on October 4, 2025, at Autumn View Gardens in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The daughter of the late Stephen "Steve" and Dorothy Kaman, Sue was born in Madison, Illinois, on March 10, 1947. She married her eternal sweetheart Lawrence "Larry" J. Papa on July 11, 1970, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Madison, Illinois, and is survived by her two daughters. A retired public and Catholic school educator, Sue taught civics, social studies, physical education, and religion in Madison and Decatur, Illinois. Sue finished her career as a middle school educator at St. Patrick School in Decatur, Illinois. As a community leader, Sue shaped many lasting legacies for youth education, excellence and athletics - broadening opportunities for access and inclusion. An advocate for women and girls in sport, Sue was the first women's soccer coach at Millikin University. She served on the boards of the Decatur YMCA, Junior Welfare Association, and St. Teresa High School. She donated her time and talents to assist survivors of intimate partner violence and abuse at Dove Inc and to support conservation efforts at Rock Springs Nature Preserve. There isn't a soccer field, library, museum, nature preserve, or park in Macon or the surrounding counties that she didn't influence. Her students, friends, and family will remember her sharp wit, curious mind, and open heart. She is survived by her two beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Gina Papa and Jason Seebode of Atlanta, Georgia, and Alicia and Garrett Broshuis of St. Louis, Missouri; five cherished grandchildren, Josie Seebode, Chloe Seebode, Elena Broshuis, Ty Broshuis, and Maddox Broshuis; and two sisters-in-law, Pat Papa of Alton, Illinois, Jackie Papa of Bethalto, Illinois. She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers George and William "Bill" Kaman, sister Ethel Royce and many dear friends, neighbors, and family. In celebration of her life, a memorial service followed by a luncheon will be held at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church at 155 N Main St, Glen Carbon IL, 62034, on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

The family would like to thank the devoted caregivers and staff of Autumn View Gardens in Creve Coeur, MO, and EverTrue Hospice. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer's Association or donate your time to a cause close to your heart and tell the family about it. www.irwinchapel.com.