Obituary of Susan V. Byrd

March 19, 1952 - October 19, 2025

Susan V. Byrd. Age 73 of Wyandotte.

Susan Vojcik Byrd was born on March 19, 1952 and died mercifully and suddenly in her sleep sometime between October 15-19, 2025, safe and warm in her home. Sue was born an only child to Edward “Whitey” and Jane Agnes Vojcik (née Kulikowski) in Wyandotte, MI, where she went on to live on the same block for the entirety of her life. Sue graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1971 and married her high school sweetheart, John Charles Byrd (d. 2014), in 1982 in Lincoln Park, MI.

Sue worked in and around the city of Detroit for her entire career, with her primary employment being in accounting at General Motors, where she worked from 1978 until her retirement in 2013. She made many lifelong friendships at GM and continued to enjoy getting together with her former colleagues for meals, holiday celebrations, and bunco games.

Sue was a very social person who was highly involved in her parish community at St. Vincent Pallotti Church, where she volunteered in numerous capacities, giving generously of her resources. She was especially proud of the work she did that benefited children’s charities and people in need; she loved helping others and cooking with her friends in the church kitchen. Sue was also actively engaged in the Downriver Italian American Club, where she served on the Board and humorously considered herself an honorary member due to her proud Polish heritage. With the close friends she made in the greater Downriver community, Sue enjoyed sharing restaurant meals, both day and overnight trips, and attending concerts and plays. Her dance card was always full right up until the day of her passing, which brings solace to those who loved her.

Sue’s grandchildren were a true gift to her, and she was immensely proud of their accomplishments as well as who they are becoming as young adults. She always spoke of them to both family and friends with glowing compliments, often with the acknowledgement, “but of course I’m biased.”  Sue also deeply loved her grand-dog, Chuy, and he was always so happy to see her, much to her delight.

Sue believed in heaven and was certainly warmly welcomed by the beloveds who predeceased her: mother, Jane, father, Whitey, dearest aunt, Eleanor Kulikowski, and husband, John. Susan is survived by her daughter, Dr. Michelle Byrd, son-in-law, Michael Millhouse, and grandchildren, Mason and Eleanor Millhouse, all of Brighton, who will remember and celebrate her best qualities.  In addition, she is mourned by cousins too numerous to mention, all of whom she loved.  Sue is also survived by lifelong friends, Dennis and Nancy Ross, whom she considered to be as close as siblings, and Phil and Shannon Parker, with whom she shared a very close bond and many special memories.

The family plans to celebrate Sue’s life in the spring, which was her favorite season, when the tulips are coming up and anything seems possible once again, as her abundant hope and unbridled optimism will live on in all those who remember her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you kindly make a donation to a charity of your choice in Susan’s name. Godspeed, Sue, and may you find deep rest and peace.