Susan Marie Meier

Susan Marie Meier, 76 years young, of Verona, formerly of Blanchardville, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Born on April 9, 1949, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Frank and Helen Martian, Susan was the eldest of four children—a role she carried throughout her life with devotion.

Susan’s early years were shaped by faith, family, and a deep sense of responsibility. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Roncalli High School in Aberdeen, where her faith and sense of service continued to deepen. At age 16, she met Patrick Meier, and what began as a simple first date at the movies grew into a love story that would span more than five decades—a shared life rooted in devotion, patience, and shared purpose.

After graduating from Roncalli, Susan attended South Dakota State University, earning her degree in 1971. That same week, she and Pat were married at Sacred Heart Church in Aberdeen and immediately set off to Georgia, where Pat started flight school in the United States Air Force. They went on to move across the country—from Georgia to Oklahoma, Washington, California, Minnesota, and eventually settling in Wisconsin. Susan embraced each move with her optimism and selflessness, creating a wonderful home for her family wherever life led them.

Susan began her married life as a teacher, a constant role she embraced throughout her life. Ultimately, she found her true calling in building a home filled with unconditional love. As a mother to Geoffrey and Christine, Susan gave endlessly—quietly, steadily, and with an unfailing attentiveness to the needs of others. Her love was constant and grounding. Later, becoming a grandmother brought her immeasurable joy; she often said it was “the best job of her life.”

Susan had a remarkable gift for creating beauty and comfort. A masterful quilter, seamstress, watercolor artist, cook, and baker, she expressed her love through handmade gifts, warm meals, and welcoming spaces. In Blanchardville, where she and Pat hand-built their dream log cabin home, Susan became part of the community, offering quiet leadership and steadfast service. She was active in the Blanchardville Women’s Club, a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a contributor to the town’s 125th anniversary celebration, and a co founder of the Pecatonica School food pantry, quietly helping ensure that no family went without.

When the nest grew quiet, Susan and Pat embraced travel, creating cherished memories together. They explored London, Ireland, Prague, and Vienna, and enjoyed many European river cruises that became some of Susan’s most cherished memories.

Susan is survived by her loving husband, Pat, of Verona; her children, Geoffrey (Sindu) Meier of Boston, Massachusetts, and Christine (Cuco) Longoria of Madison, Wisconsin; her mother, Helen Martian of Aberdeen, South Dakota; and her beloved grandchildren - Sachin, Rohan, and Divya Meier, and Katherine Longoria - who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her siblings, Jeanie Martian, Tom (Robin) Martian of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and Bethe Martian of Aberdeen, South Dakota, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her generosity and gentle spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Frank Martian.

Susan's memorial service will be held on Monday, March 30th, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady Queen of Peace, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin, with Fr. Tom Gillespie and Fr. Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30–11:00 AM, prior to the service. A funeral lunch will follow. A private family burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville. Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at saetherfuneralservice.com.

Susan lived a life defined by devotion—to her family, her faith, her community, and the countless quiet acts of care that stitched her world together. Her legacy is one of love made visible: one handmade gift, one warm meal, one steady presence, and one act of kindness at a time.