Sue Vincent

With a keen sense of computers and a great love for animals, Sue Vincent had much to offer with her generous and loving nature. She was a hard working woman who was well loved by the family she cherished. Although Sue often underestimated herself, others encouraged her and believed in her. Dearly loved and appreciated, Sue will be fondly remembered in the hearts of many.

The year 1956 represented a time of simplicity with a great sense of family values in the U.S. There was an unparallel focus on education while American colleges and universities began bringing an end to racial segregation. Meanwhile, many American youth embraced Elvis Presley and his debut on the Ed Sullivan Show at a time when the rock and roll dance craze swept across the country. Despite the excitement of the times, Wayland Delmar and Mary Esther (Nancarrow) Ingersoll had much to celebrate and be thankful for that year with the birth of their youngest child, Susanne, born on February 4, 1956.

Susanne was also welcomed by her two older siblings, Wayland “Korky” and Sharon. Her father named her, and was adamant that she be called by her full birth name, Susanne, but as soon as she finished school and was on her own, Susanne opted to be called, Sue. As a young child, Susanne was affectionately nicknamed, "Thumper" by her brother and sister because she was constantly rocking and thumping, at bedtime especially, with her special “gaga” blanket in tow.

During her youth, Susanne experienced an ordinary childhood for the times. She enjoyed spending summers swimming and relaxing on Indian Lake with her friends and family. She went through the typical cultural changes of the late 1960s and 1970s. When her father suddenly and sadly died in 1970, it greatly affected Susanne and it proved to be a tough time for her. During this time, her sister stepped in and helped raise Susanne until she graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1974.

After graduating, Susanne went on to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College for a time while working at a local Burger Chef restaurant. There she met the young man who would come to be her life's companion, Mark Vincent. She soon decided college life just wasn't for her, and getting completely into the work force was the best option for her.

Before long, Sue took a position with International Research in Mattawan before getting hired by Upjohn. Sue thoroughly enjoyed her job there and made many friendships through her co-workers. She was well liked by management and was given multiple opportunities to grow with the company. She took advantage of these favorable possibilities, which at one point included a training trip to Puerto Rico. Upjohn soon became the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Corporation, and after 26 years of service to the company, Sue eventually accepted a buyout and retired.

During this time, Sue's relationship with Mark blossomed into love, and after dating for a few years, they became husband and wife on May 18, 1982. They exchanged vows in Las Vegas, and after returning home to Kalamazoo, they enjoyed a nice reception with family and friends.

Mark and Sue enjoyed many things together. They especially loved spending time at the family cottage on Indian Lake in Vicksburg at Old Lemon Park. This was her favorite place to be as it was when she was growing up. They also enjoyed frequent dinners out at Bill Knapp's Restaurant. Around the house, Sue enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint, and was a whiz on the computer. She had some favorite TV shows, like TV Land and The Big Bang Theory, but especially liked watching old westerns. Sue also possessed a great sense of humor and enjoyed the company of others. In her later years, she liked gathering with Mark and his friends at the Green Top Tavern located in downtown Kalamazoo.

Sue was a big lover of animals, mostly dogs, which included at least eight she had rescued over the years. Susanne found great joy in her canine companions. Sue also had an interest in cars. She especially loved her brother-in-law’s Firebird, the very one in which her sister was proposed to in. She eventually bought it and enjoyed it for years. She later bought her sister’s Datsun 280 ZX, and sported around with this for years as well.

Life for Sue was not always easy, especially later as she suffered with multiple health problems including diabetes, COPD and kidney issues which kept her homebound. She had a tendency to underestimate herself in life, but through the love of friends and family, others believed in her even though her self-doubt got the best of her at times. Sue counted the day she married Mark and the day her niece Kimberly, adopted from Korea, whom she shared a birthday with and gave her middle name to, as the greatest days of her life. She was always a hard worker who strived to be the best she could be. Sue had a generous heart, especially when it came to helping those near and dear to her. Although deeply missed, Sue's heart lives on in the love of others.

Sue Vincent, age 57, of Portage, sadly died on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at Bronson Hospital. Members of her family include her husband, Mark; her brother, Wayland “Korky” (Linda) Ingersoll of South Haven; sister, Sharon (Ken) Hasper of DeWitt; five nieces and nephews: Mike, Holly, Nicole, Megan and Kimberly.

A Memorial Mass for Sue will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 1, 2013 at St. Monica Catholic Church, 534 West Kilgore. Please visit Sue's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory or photo, and sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive 375-2900.