Cora Sue Grades

Cora "Sue" Grades passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of selfless love and unwavering faith. Born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, on April 7, 1943, Sue felt a powerful calling to a life of ministry. This calling led her to Lansing Community College, where she pursued a career in nursing, dedicating over 25 years to comforting patients as an oncology nurse at Sparrow Hospital. Her ministry continued through home care, where she lovingly cared for her beloved Ryan until his passing.
It was at a Catholic group movie night at LCC that Sue met the love of her life, David. Their story began when he simply sat on the floor next to her, a chance encounter that blossomed into nearly 54 years of devoted marriage. Married on January 9, 1971, they built a beautiful life and a family with their three children, a bond only broken by David's passing in January 2025.
Faith was the cornerstone of Sue's life. She and David attended church daily, first at St. Casimir Parish until it closed, then moving to St. Mary Cathedral. They often volunteered nearby at the Mother Teresa House, offering comfort to those in hospice, and were committed adorers at Eucharistic Adoration at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Sue found joy in the simple pleasures of gardening and cooking, sharing her gifts generously; her famous boston brown bread, crispy cookies, and banana bread brought warmth to countless gatherings. Her helpful spirit was boundless; she was always ready to lend a hand, even accompanying David when he fixed cars for friends and family.
Sue's loving presence will be deeply missed by her surviving family: her sister Karen (Michael) Golden, brother John (Mary) Downing, and children Jeremy (Theresa) Grades, Angela (Ruben) Maldonado, and Melissa Grades. She was a cherished grandmother to Jason, Marisa (Mike), Jordan, and Gabriel, and an honorary grandmother to Steven and Christopher Hensley, with one great grandchild on the way and had many nieces and nephews. The entire Maldonado family embraced her as one of their own, a testament to her inclusive heart.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Tuesday, December 30th from 5-8pm at Palmer, Bush & Jensen Funeral Home, 520 E Mt Hope Ave, Lansing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in celebration of her life on Wednesday, December 31st at 10am at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave, Lansing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mother Teresa House, a cause close to Sue's heart.