Susan Van Voorhees

Susan Van Voorhees
January 18, 1938 – December 7, 2024
Born in Capac, Michigan

Su spent her early childhood through college years in Gobles, Michigan with her parents, Frank Lloyd Van Voorhees and Barbara Lorraine Curtis and brothers, Curt and Mart. Her passions were her family, her horses, singing, photography and being outdoors with nature. Su loved to laugh and took great joy from seeing those around her laugh. She was full of stories and had a special way of telling them.

She attended Western Michigan University, graduating with a BA in Education. After college, her first teaching position was at Bois Blanc Pines School in the Straits of Mackinac, which she loved very much. Su spent many great years teaching elementary school in Michigan, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Oregon. Later in life she taught adult education and GED courses to inmates in Cheboygan, Michigan. She spoke so highly of her time in this role and taught with a fierce passion that led to lasting friendships with students and staff alike.

Su was known for her humor, free-spirited adventures, nature photography, and love of all things science and earth. She loved sharing these passions with her family and friends. She was often in the woods or on the beach of Bois Blanc Island with a grandchild or two and her bird and flower books. This island was where she was most at home; she loved it with her whole soul.

Su is survived by her two children, Mitch Begle of Bois Blanc Island, Michigan and Bridget Begle-Bodor (Bob Bodor) of Manitou Springs, Colorado; grandchildren Cayla Begle, Lauren Foos, Bridgey Bodor, and Grayson Bodor; nieces Meg Davis, Erin Voss, and Amy Harris; and the flora, fauna and water of Bois Blanc Island.

A private service will take place in the summer of 2025.