Susanne Crenshaw

Susanne Crenshaw was a woman who devoted her life to the two most important things: Her family, and her faith. She was a wonderful woman, selfless and gracious, caring and compassionate. More than anything, Susanne was a devoted wife, loving mother, and a good friend, whose love and faith lives on in all who knew her.

Susanne’s story began on June 17, 1956, a time of great turmoil in this country. America was battling the Cold War, the Red Scare, racial tensions and the Nuclear Age, as well. Susanne grew up during an equally turbulent time, as the 60s and 70s were marked by protests and the terrible conflict of the Vietnam War.

Susanne was raised with a great faith in the Lord, a faith that served her well throughout her lifetime. She was blessed with musical gifts, and learned to play the piano as a little girl.

In 1974 she married Howard Joseph Crenshaw and together they made their home in BIg Rapids, Mi.

Susanne was a wonderful minister’s wife, who supported her husband and her church congregation in any way she could, from playing the organ to playing host. For the next seven years, Susanne happily opened her home to her church family, as a place for them to hold services.

The couple was also blessed with two wonderful sons while living in Big Rapids, first by Jeffery, born in 1976, and then with Jeremy rounding out the happy family in 1979. Completing the family were Susanne’s two beloved cats, Mia and Molly.

In 1986, the family moved to the Grand Rapids area, where Susanne continued her work as an organist in the church. She also worked as a library assistant at the Library for the Blind at the Kent District Library. She had a special interest in helping the blind.

Susanne and Joe shared a special marriage, and did much together. They went on several fantastic cruises over the years, which Susanne always enjoyed (even though she sometimes got seasick). They saw Alaska, South America, and even Antarctica over the years.

Susanne was equally content at home, playing her piano with her family close to her. Music was a large part of her life, and brought her comfort later in life, as she battled a long illness. Together with her faith and her family, she battled bravely.

Sadly, Susanne lost her battle with illness on Wednesday, April 2, 2008. She was 51.

Susanne was a wonderful woman, who devoted her life to the most important things: her family and her Lord. She was a talented musician, a devoted wife and a loving mother. Most of all, Susanne was a gift to us, blessing the lives of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Members of her family include her husband, Joe, and her sons, Jeffery and Jeremy. Services are 7 p.m. Monday at New Apostolic Church, 117 W. 14th St. with Apostle William Hammer officiating. Visitation is 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 188 W. 32nd St. Burial will be in Georgetown Cemetery. Visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the guestbook.