NORTHPORT- Suzanne Lois Landes, 83, of Northport Mi. Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 15, 2025.

Suzanne was born on November 4, 1941, in Lansing, Michigan to James Robert and Edna (Harper) Hunter. On April 26, 1961, in Raton, New Mexico she married the love of her life James Paul Landes with whom she shared over 60 wonderful years until his passing on June 16, 2021. After Jim‘s death Suzanne and longtime friend Phillip Mikesell joined in a committed relationship, which brought her incredible joy. Phil and his family have been a blessing to us all.

Suzanne grew up in Lansing, Michigan, graduating from Sexton High School. She continued her education at the University of Colorado at Boulder where she met Jim. After Sue graduated from college in 1963 the family moved to Lansing. Sue and Jim had three sons. Mark Craig and David. In 1969 Suzanne began her career as a teacher at Grand Ledge Public Schools. She taught a variety of English and literature classes at Grand Ledge High School and a year of eighth grade English at Beagle Middle School. Suzanne completed a master’s degree in education at Michigan State University.

In 1975 Jim and Sue both took a leave of absence from their teaching jobs and Jim accepted an appointment to teach in the Department of Defense school system in Wiesbaden Germany. Suzanne substitute taught part time as well for two years. Sue and Jim and their three sons lived in Germany, worked and attended school and explored Europe during every vacation.

In 1977 Suzanne and family returned to Michigan and resumed their careers. Suzanne lead the GLHS chapter of the National Honor Society for 24 years and was named Grand Ledge High School teacher of the year as well as a finalist for Teacher of the Year for the State of Michigan 1986-87. She was instrumental in the development of an advanced studies curriculum in English at GLHS. In 1997 Suzanne retired from teaching and moved to Northport to a home the family built in the 1980s.

Suzanne was committed to the world around her. She served as president of both the Northport Woman’s Club and Friends of The Library. She was active with the Grand Traverse Lighthouse as a board member and volunteer. Her “lobster fests” were legendary! She helped with the Lions Club events that included food such as the pancake breakfast fly in at Woolsey airport. ShareCare is a great organization and Suzanne served as a volunteer and board member. PEO, the League of Women Voters, 100 Women Who Care along with a few local book clubs kept her days full after retirement.

She loved cooking, symphonies, art and festivals like Niagara on the Lake. When she recognized a need, and it was in her power to help solve it she jumped right in. This is how holiday meals at Trinity Church for folks without plans on Christmas and Thanksgiving was born. It made her happy to see that in her absence the tradition carried on.

Travel was another love. Whether it was camping trips with family across the US, Canada and Europe or travels with friends to South America, New Zealand, Wales, Crete, Mexico, Jerusalem, and Arizona her suitcase was always close by.

Teachers are blessed to be able to touch the lives of so many and judging by all the cards and letters from former students over the years in this measure she was truly successful. Suzanne treasured the Northport community. The outpouring of support through her illness has been absolutely astonishing.

She is survived by Phillip Mikesell, her three sons Mark (Katherine) Landes, Craig (Roxanne) Landes and David (Robin) Landes; her beloved grandchildren, David (Mishee) Hunter, Michael (Virginia) Hunter, Sarah Landes, Rachel Landes, Krystal (Doug) Fouty, Rebecca (Tyler) Cooper, Benjamin Landes and Mary Landes; and her cherished greatgrandchildren, Aurora, Orion, Emilia and Jackson.

Suzanne is also survived by her travel companions and the amazing Wacousta Gang! Lifetime friends thru thick and thin! Also, the welcoming Northport community, the church family of Trinity along with hundreds of former students all of whom shared in Suzanne’s incredible life well lived. She loved you all!

Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband James; her parents; and her brother Robert (Eleanore) Hunter.

True to Suzanne’s wishes, the fantastic 83rd birthday celebration at Trinity was her celebration of life, farewell to all. It allowed her to say goodbye and thank everybody in person and it meant the world to her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to FOLTL (much easier than writing a check to the Friends of the Leelanau Township Library) and putting “In memory of Suzanne Landes” in the memo line. Mailed to FOLTL PO Box 235 Northport, MI 49670 Please share condolences and memories with Suzanne’s family at The Landes home: 13288 E. Circle Dr. Northport, MI 49670 or at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.