Susan Rae "Sue" Aveni

Susan "Sue" Rae Aveni (nee: Grasser)
Susan "Sue" Rae Aveni, 58, was called home to heaven unexpectedly at her family home in Concord Township on September 1, 2025.
Sue was born on October 17, 1966, at Fairview Hospital in Fairview Park, Ohio, to Bruce Howard and Karen Irene (nee: Tatousek) Grasser. At the age of 7, her family moved east to Chardon, where she grew up surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. She graduated from Chardon High School in 1985 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Penn State University.
Sue built a successful career in the corporate world, forming many meaningful professional and personal connections along the way. She was a proud graduate of Leadership Lake County (Class of 1997) and Leadership Geauga (Class of 2024). Her Leadership Geauga journey was about more than professional growth - it was a way to give back to her beloved hometown of Chardon, explore Geauga County's treasures, and connect with others who shared her love for the community.
On May 8, 1993, Sue married the love of her life, James V. Aveni, at Chardon United Methodist Church. Together, they built a beautiful life in the area, raising their three children and making countless memories as a family.
Although she called Concord home, Sue's heart always belonged to Chardon. She found joy in family trips to Bonita Springs, Florida, golf, and planning special adventures - including vacations to Maui, Hawaii with her daughter, and to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics with the whole family. She loved to cook (and loved watching cooking shows to inspire her next meal), but she would happily admit that McDonald's French Fries were her all-time favorite delicacy!
Sue loved her family above all else, cherishing every moment spent with her children. She had a passion for reading (particularly People Magazine), taking bites of her kid's food, movie nights, dining out, and celebrating the simple joys of life. She especially loved the fall season, football Sundays, and the Maple Festival.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Joe (Samantha Huston) Aveni, Jillian Aveni, and Michael Aveni; brother, Chuck Grasser; twin sister, Shelly (Kim Wright) Grasser; nephews, Nicholas (Aubrey Dietzel) Tommasone and Callen (Michelle Posch) Tommasone; and her beloved morkie, Diego. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South Street, Chardon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Township, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, beginning at 12:00 noon.
Sue will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her deep love for family and friends, and her ability to light up a room. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and community that will live on in all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Sue's remembrance to Leadership Geauga, a program she held dear to her heart. Donations may be made online at https://leadershipgeauga.org/donate/ or mailed to Leadership Geauga, 8389 Mayfield Rd., Suite A-2B, Chesterland, OH 44026.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.