Sandra Ann Van Sumeren

On Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the age of 85, Sandra (Kennie) Van Sumeren passed away suddenly at McLaren Bay Region. The daughter of the late Gordon W. and Gladys K. (Ustaszewski) Kennie, she was born on May 13, 1938 in Bay City. Sandy graduated from St. James High School in 1956 and from Bay City Junior College two years later. She left Central Michigan after one semester to return home to help her mother at the G&T Restaurant. On January 16, 1960 Sandy was united in marriage to Richard G. Van Sumeren. She enjoyed 58 wonderful years with Dick until his passing on May 23, 2018.
While a devoted mother (and later grandmother), Sandy went to work part-time at McCandless Hallmark from 1978 until 1993. For over 30 years Sandy belonged to the Bay Area Family YMCA where she not only enjoyed water aerobics, but where she formed many friendships. This group of fun-loving ladies referred to themselves as "the swim team." Sandy was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was active with the food pantry and serving funeral luncheons. She was currently a faithful member of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. Sandy didn't know a stranger, at least not for long. She was always thinking of others by offering financial and/or emotional support. Her quick wit, holiday costumes, sweet laugh and mischievous smile will be missed by all.
She is survived by her son, Craig (Mary Jo) Van Sumeren of Okemos and daughter, Beth (David) Kiefer of Birmingham; three grandsons, Charlie, Ben and George Van Sumeren; four granddaughters, Claire, Kate and Lily Kiefer and Anna Van Sumeren; several nieces and nephews and her caring neighbors. Sandy was the "other mother" (and grandmother) to many, especially Robert (Lori) Davis. In addition to her husband and parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her son Todd Van Sumeren and her sisters and their husbands: Patricia (Richard) Goodreau and Donna (Ralph) Waehner.
The Funeral Mass to celebrate Sandy's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2023 at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish with Fr. Dale Orlik and Dcn. Timothy Hartwig presiding. Private interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery. Friends may call at Trahan Funeral Chapel on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. or at the church on Friday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a contribution in Sandy's name to the Bay City Players or St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. For on-line sentiments: www.trahanfc.com