Susan B. Minckler

Susan B. Minckler CLAREMONT, NH -Susan B. Minckler, 66, of Big Bay, MI passed away on May 13, 2023 at UP Health System in Marquette, MI. Her partner of 21 years, Leslie L. Hahn was by her side. Her son, Dylan and daughter, Megan were there caring for her. She was born on February 17, 1957 in Norwalk, CT to Arvi and Kirsten (Markmanrud) Maki. She shared a special childhood on a farm in Claremont, NH, with her siblings; Mike (Sue) Maki, Eric, Kris and Adam (Sarah) Maki. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and brothers, Adam and Mike. After Sue’s first marriage ended, she met and followed Tom Davis to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. During that time, Sue and Tom had two children, Dylan (Ashley) Davis of Traverse City, MI and Megan (Josh) Sicotte of Negaunee, MI and six grandchildren; Adalyn and Kylie Davis and Eliza, Carter, Madelynn and Anica Sicotte. Later, Sue and her partner “Nana” instilled their love of nature and the spirituality and healing it provided. Sue engrained in her children and grandchildren the love of cooking and baking. She was known for her amazing lasagna, spaghetti sauce and Norwegian Christmas bread. She had aprons made for her grandchildren once they were old enough to participate in cooking. They referred to her in the traditional Norwegian way of either Farmor (Father’s mother) or Mormor (Mother’s mother). She obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University and her MSW from the University of Michigan. She worked for non-profit organizations in the Marquette area, eventually leading to her employment and retirement from the United Way of Marquette. Sue loved her home on the shore of Lake Superior and especially watching the wildlife in the woods surrounding it. She took a special liking to crows, who would, after she fed them, leave trinkets on her van as a gift for the food. Sue loved the Blues and volunteered with the Blues Fest organizing committee. She also loved traveling with her dear friend, Jane Ryan to the King Biscuit Blues Festival. She made friends easily and befriended Mikal, a musician from Poland with whom she maintained an enduring friendship. Sue was also a voracious reader and often spoke of her interaction, via NMU, with Kurt Vonnegut and her love of our local library. Sue was a kind, loving and generous soul and loved by many. A celebration of Sue’s life will be held the afternoon of Saturday August 19th, 2023 at the Family Farm at 65 Bonneau Road in Claremont, NH. All who knew Sue are welcome to join us for food and fond memories.