Susan (Sue) Kivlin, age 77, of Madison, WI, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from natural causes. She was born on December 19, 1948, in Portage, Wisconsin.

Sue was a loving mother to Bridget Jobe (Brad) and Jeffery Witte (Betsy), and a proud grandmother to Richard Wilcox (Emily), Savannah Wilcox, Kayla Carver (Kyle), Daniyal Rana, Tiegan Witte, Owen Witte, Evan Witte, and Merian Giese, and a great-grandmother to Elowyn and Athena. She was also the dear sister of James Kivlin. She was the devoted daughter of the late Jerry and Mary Kay Kivlin (née Rondorf), and beloved granddaughter of Gladys Rondorf (née Ashenbrenner).

Sue grew up in Wisconsin Dells, where her parents owned the River Road Motel. She attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, earning a degree in Journalism. Sue would go on to work at the Press Connection and WORT Radio, creating lifelong friendships and endless stories. Family and faith were always Sue's top priorities. She grew up attending St. Cecilia's in Wisconsin Dells, where her life is to be celebrated, she carried her faith with her to Madison and was a member of St. Peter Catholic church.

Sue often said, "becoming a mother was the best thing I ever did" and loved sharing her family's accomplishments with anyone who would listen. Though her related family is listed above, she had uncountable adopted mothers, sisters, daughters, sons and even grandchildren. Sue was an irrepressibly positive, curious, friendly and loving person. Having struggled with schizophrenia her whole life, the family is grateful for the fellowship and love Sue found throughout her life, particularly from Yahara House and the Catholic Charities Day Center in Madison. She cherished her time at both places and always looked forward to seeing the staff and other members. The family also wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation of Katie R. of MyChoice Wisconsin. As a care manager, Katie's guidance, genuine advocacy and deep caring over the past years made a profound difference in Sue's life. Katie became a trusted partner to our family and we cannot thank her enough.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation starting at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 26, at Saint Cecilia's Catholic Church, 603 Oak St, Wisconsin Dells, WI. A Funeral Mass celebrating her life will start immediately at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Dells, where she will be laid to rest with her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sue may be made to Yahara House, 802 E Gorham St, Madison, WI 53703 or at https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Yahara-House.