Obituary of Susan Marie Rondeau

Susan Rondeau – A Life Remembered

Susan Marie (Klinger) Rondeau died peacefully on Friday, February 7^th 2020, surrounded by many from the hundreds who loved and cherished her.  For the prior few years she battled an unusual neurological disease, cortical basal syndrome.  At each stage of the illness, she summoned strength and courage to fight back; Susan was a strong person and personality.

She was born on January 6, 1943, in Detroit, the daughter of Orval J. (“Jack”) Klinger and Marie Helen (Anderson) Klinger.  She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, William Kalman (“Bill”) Rondeau.  She is survived by her brothers, Jeffrey D. Klinger, and Timothy Charles Klinger, her sisters-in-law, Katherine Klinger, Christine Klinger,  Rita Pare, and Kay Klavon, her children, Vicki (Angie), Richard, Matthew (Elizabeth), Adam (Kristine), Darius, Tessann, Joyceann (Ken Maynard), Jacob, Benjamin, Allison, and Jessa, daughters in-law Sharon Rondeau and Laurie Cable, her grandchildren, Shaina (Drew Catalla), Colin, Rayanna, Alexa, Jacob, Kevin and Samantha, her great grandchildren Leyla and Noah, and her nieces and nephews Nick, Hillary, and Caitlin Klinger.

It was clear that Susan was her father’s favorite.  However, her artistic creativity came from her mother.  Early on she showed talents as an artist and fashion designer.  At one-point Susan created a large number of beautiful historic fashion dolls.  A later artistic chapter was demonstrated by her prodigious projects in beading and jewelry design.  Susan never approached challenges in a half-way fashion.

This was perhaps best shown in her love for, and dedication to, children.  While raising their “first family” of four children, Susan and Bill embarked on a life-long engagement with foster and adopted children.  Together, the phrase “too numerous to count,” comes to mind.  Without exception, and often against the well-meaning guidance of parents and friends, they opened their hearts and home, giving selflessly whenever there was a need.  Figuratively and literally, the doors to their hearts and home were always open.  They never said no.  Together they received many rewards and recognitions for their work in the foster community.

It is said, “…as you sew, so shall you reap.”  So it has been for Susan; as recent care needs continued to grow, she went from caregiver, to the one cared for.  So many have rallied to shoulder those bitter-sweet tasks, and to share precious personal moments.  The latter gave rare and special rewards. 

You will see her again…. She’s the one wearing the beautiful and audacious necklace, baking the chocolate cake, in the very big house, surrounded by laughing, happy kids of every description. 

May we all be so fortunate to carry a bit of that extraordinary person in our hearts and each day, in our lives.  Susan asked that Bill meet her with one dozen red roses…he will not forget, and we will remember just a bit more, that it’s never too late to give, or to receive such “roses” in our own lives.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Susan’s name to Children’s Hospital of Michigan or to the Michigan Humane Society.