Suzanne Willard

Picha Funeral Home, Locally Owned and Operated

Providing Friendly, Courteous and Dignified Funeral Service

Suzanne Willard, lifelong Dells resident, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, November 23, 2007, at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo with her daughters by her side. The fourth and youngest child of Kenneth and Blanche Foster, Suzanne was born March 11, 1936, in Wisconsin Dells.

She was a “spirited” child—family, friends, and even Suzie herself delighted in sharing “Suzie stories” for the last several years. Big sister Marilyn, who might have been trying to study for an exam, got buggy duty when Suzie was a fussy baby. Brother Kenneth had to suffer her tagging along everywhere he went. When she was in high school, big sister Catherine worked in the school office and made sure Suzie’s “Mother and Daddy” knew what shenanigans she was up to. And from what we hear she was up to plenty of good, clean fun.

Chorus, the school newspaper, camera club, FHA, GAA weren’t enough to keep Suzie busy in high school. She was also class secretary and on the student council. Suzie played flute in school, was in the marching band, and lettered in band. She graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1954. She attended the Business Institute of Milwaukee where she earned her Secretarial Course diploma in 1955. She then returned to the Dells and worked as a legal secretary for over 25 years. In 1985 Suzanne received her Legal Assistant/Paralegal certificate from the School of Paralegal Studies of Southern Career Institute in Boca Raton, Florida.

After her divorce in the mid 1980s Suzanne once again blossomed. Once again she shared that fun, mischievous side of her personality that made people fall in love with her and want to spend time with her. It was also at this time that she became partner in an H & R Block office in New London.

Though Suzie was quite physically active in her younger days—swimming, biking, running, playing ball with the “Turkey Hill” gang—the MS she was diagnosed with at age 27 made her less and less so after age 50. The disease changed her physical abilities but never changed her “spiritedness.” No one ever recalls Suzanne asking “Why Me?” Instead she turned more and more to her church, her faith, and her sense of humor.

She loved her daughters and being a grandma. She loved naughty, spirited children; the annual family trips to Florida; “It’s a Small World” at Disney World; boating; reading mysteries—especially outside in the sun; bird watching; word games; Wo Zha Wa; anything and everything sweet—and never in “moderation,” she hated that word; going to church and breakfast afterwards; her cats; “The Phantom of the Opera” music; and holiday gatherings with family and friends.

Mom wasn’t afraid of death, but she dreaded the possibility of one day ending up in a nursing home. Thanks to the wonderful folks at several social service programs Mom was able to live independently at home. Our family would most especially like to thank Cindy Bodendein for the “Judies” and “Sharons” she sent to care for Mom daily—you all know who you are because we call you family. Special thanks also to Helene Vanderbilt who made trips to doctor appointments a chance for Mom to stay connected to what was going on in the world outside her home.

Suzanne is survived by her two daughters: Robin of Madison and Suzette (Peter) Zapuchlak of Lake Delton; grandchildren: Lydia and Bohdan Zapuchlak; brother Kenneth (Lucille) Foster; sisters: Marilyn Severson and Catherine (Arnold) Borcher; nephew Ben (Kelli Trumble) Borcher; nieces: Kristin (Gary) Shepard, Holly (Les) Pennington, Jane (Tom) Heller, Lori Meyer, Michelle (Brian) Metcalfe, and Melanie Foster. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Lawrence Severson.

Visitation with the family will be from 10-11am, Saturday, December 1, 2007, at Holy Cross Episcopal church at 322 Unity Drive, Wisconsin Dells. A memorial service, the Reverend Joan Smoke officiating, and luncheon will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Suzanne’s name be made to Holy Cross Episcopal Church or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. A private interment will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery.