Mary Suzanne Whelan Timperman

Mary Suzanne Whelan Timperman, 85, of Louisville passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, surrounded by her family. Suzanne was born in Louisville on November 3, 1939 to Florence "Babe" and Richard J. Whelan.
Suzanne is survived by her beloved husband of 60 years, Dale Owen Timperman, sons Eric Timperman (Craig), Mark Timperman (Stephanie), dear grandchildren Lilla, Zoe, and Owen Timperman, dear brother Rick Whelan (Denise), and many nieces and nephews.
She was also a dear aunt, cousin and friend to many. She was preceded in life by her brother James E. Whelan. Suzanne grew up in the Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, where her family was a long-time member of Lakeside Swim Club. She and her brother Rick spent most of their summer days at Lakeside with friends and family. Suzanne was a true "athlete scholar" - a 1957 graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, where she was consistently in the top 5% of her class, while also excelling in Varsity field hockey and basketball, eventually being inducted into the SHA Athletic Hall of Fame. She graduated from Ursuline College (now Bellarmine University) in 1961.
As a lifelong resident of Kentucky, Suzanne had an enduring love for horses. In her early years, she was an award-winning show horse rider. Later, she and her husband Dale became partners in a racehorse syndicate. Suzanne's passion for horses and the racetrack remained unwavering throughout her life.
Suzanne spent her early career as an elementary school teacher and continued that passion for educating in later years as a substitute teacher and after-school teacher of remedial reading. When her two sons were born, Suzanne dedicated her life to raising and being involved in their lives. She volunteered at their grade school for 8 years, was a Cub Scout Den Mother for both, encouraged them try a wide variety of sports and activities (and enthusiastically attended every game or match), volunteered and fund-raised at their high school, and instilled in them her deep Catholic faith. Her children and grandchildren have always been her primary focus and greatest source of pride.
Suzanne was deeply involved in her Louisville community, dedicating her time and energy to volunteering with numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Queens Daughters, and Catholic Charities. Suzanne channeled her natural athleticism and competitive nature into a love of golfing, 50 years of recreational tennis, and a shared love of Bridge with two groups of close friends for over 60 years.
Suzanne was an amazing mother and grandmother, and her presence was a blessing in the lives of her 3 grandchildren.
Visitation is at Ratterman's on Lexington Road on Sunday October 26 from 1 PM to 6 PM. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Monday October 27 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Academy's "Suzanne Whelan Timperman '57 Endowed Scholarship", via mail at 3115 Lexington Road, Louisville, KY 40206 (or online at https://www.shslou.org/apps/pages/giving/scholarships), or to the Alzheimer's Association.