Sue Ann Barrows-Elsner

Mason, Michigan

On July 15, 2015 Sue passed into eternal peace to join Jon, her beloved husband, after a long encounter with non-hodgkin’s lymphoma. Over the course of her illness, Sue was a tremendous inspiration to her friends and family due to her positive approach to life and her ability to view each day as a blessing that should be cherished to its fullest. When life got a little difficult, she faithfully said, “You just have to trust God.” She never complained and continued to do the things that she enjoyed the most. One of the things Sue enjoyed was spending quality time with her family and friends. Whether it was going out to dinner, attending an event, or simply staying home and having a pleasant conversation, Sue treasured the time spent with the people who were closest to her. One of the many examples is how Sue spent many hours exploring the MSU Gardens or taking in summer concerts in local parks with her sister Linda and her brother Larry. Other loyal companions that Sue valued over the years were her dogs: Rufus, Ice, Jack, and Gilligan. Sue’s concern for people carried over into her professional life as she spent many years working in various helping professions, serving and aiding people with disabilities. Sue was an especially spiritual person who was inspired by experiencing God’s creation in nature. Sue loved traveling around the beautiful state of Michigan. Spending time in the Upper Peninsula and along the beaches of Lake Michigan were very enjoyable for her, but her favorite place in Michigan was going Up North to the family cottage where she spent early mornings kayaking and taking photographs of whatever natural wonders appeared before her eyes.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Jon Elsner; father, Bruce Barrows; and mother, Marilyn Tiedeman. She is survived by sisters, Linda Spica, Diane Magee, and Rebecca Charles; brothers, Larry and Steven Barrows; many other close family members; dog, Gilligan; and numerous supportive friends.

A memorial service will be celebrated on Monday, July 27, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., at the English Inn, located at 677 S. Michigan Road in Eaton Rapids. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Lansing, Inc., Greater Lansing Food Bank, Paws With A Cause, or Lymphoma Research.

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8 Messages to “Sue Ann Barrows-Elsner

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Sonia Fuentes
July 17, 2015 at 7:02 am

Sue, may you find peace in Heaven. You will be missed dearly.
To her family: I am so very, very sorry. Sue was a beautiful person who always made people feel special and loved. May God bring you peace and comfort you during this time.

-Sonia

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Jeaneen Donald-Pedraza
July 17, 2015 at 8:52 am

I so enjoyed knowing you. You made me laugh. You were a blessing to me and I am eternally grateful that I got a chance to know and love you. To your Family, God bless you all, you are in our prayers.

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Kris Abbey
July 17, 2015 at 9:17 am

Sending thought and prayers to the family. Sue was a very gentle
kind lady. She will be missed
Kris

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Bill Hunault
July 17, 2015 at 9:36 am

Sue and I shared a work office, side-by-side, for years. We talked daily. I know she struggled with a lot of things but she also found time to listen to others and their stories. She retired suddenly but we always thought that she would be back. We were a “team.” We welcomed her later visits and the time they provided to catch-up after her retirement. She will live on in our thoughts.

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Fran Norton
July 19, 2015 at 9:56 am

I was one of Sue’s mentors when she began her career with DDS. She was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I know she has a special place in Heaven.

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Jean Vicary
July 20, 2015 at 7:51 am

Sue and I started together at DDS and spent many lunch times together talking about her beloved family and furry companions. I pray that God comfort all who are grieving her passing and that Sue is now at peace in her new life.

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Anonymous
July 21, 2015 at 9:58 am

Such a wonderful and special soul enriching and inspiring our own lives. So very, very sorry she has left us. Her gentle, optimistic life will be much missed. Sincerest condolences.

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Kerri Wheeler
July 23, 2015 at 8:00 pm

Just meeting & being able to be apart of Sue’s journey was a blessing. Even though I only knew her a few short weeks it seemed I knew her forever. She was someone that was easy to talk to and very understanding. She laughed and smiled even during what seemed to be her darkest days with no complaints. Her belief in God & love for others definitely shined. She was a very special person. Her family, friends and furry baby Gilligan meant the world to her. Anyone that was able to be apart of Sue’s life was truly blessed. I will always remember her.

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