Susan Nowicki
September 30, 1945 - January 31, 2024
Obituary
Susan A. Nowicki passed away January 31, 2024, surrounded by her loving family following a lengthy battle with cancer. Susan was born September 30, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Carl and Mary (Waitz) Nowicki. She attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications. Following her graduation, she started her career and spent most of her life in Chicago, Illinois.
Susan was employed by many major medical associations, serving as an executive director of communications for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Alzheimer's Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Susan also did independent consulting via her business, SAN Communications.
Susan was an active member of Women in Communications and made many close friends through her interaction with WIC members. She was also a volunteer and advocate for many charities and community programs. Susan gave both her time and talents to many causes by serving on boards and committees, helping with fundraising events and writing publications. Susan most recently served as a literacy tutor for adults.
Susan was a world traveler who enjoyed exploring and collecting art from China, Egypt, and many countries in Europe. She enjoyed ocean cruises including a special trip to Alaska. True to her love of American history, she also visited many historic sites and museums near and around Washington DC, Virginia, and Philadelphia. As a person who always stayed informed of current events, she maintained subscriptions to numerous major newspapers and printed articles daily to share. Susan was a prolific creator of custom greeting cards and never missed a birthday, anniversary or get-well card for all her family and friends.
Susan was a proud MSU alumni and football fan. Accordingly, she moved back to East Lansing after her retirement to enjoy the college town atmosphere and be involved in various MSU Alumni associations.
Susan was an Elder at the People's Church of East Lansing, where she was a Stephen Minister and was active on various committees within her church. Susan was a patron of all art forms, enjoyed sharing her love of the arts with her friends, family, and community. She volunteered at the Michigan History Center and The Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
Susan was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Sue Nowicki, and leaves behind her 3 brothers, Warren Nowicki, Marc Nowicki, and Lawrence Nowicki (Gail DeBellis), her nephews Sean (April) Nowicki, Chris Nowicki (Leslie Ewing), Danny (Danielle) Nowicki, Sam (Meagan) Nowicki, and nieces Jessica (Brian) Kleinfeld and Julie Peters, 14 great-nieces and nephews, and 1 great, great niece, close friends Chris and Bill Gentes, Denise Gentes, Rose Bartol, Karen Schneider, dorm mates Beverly and Mary, and many other loved ones.
Susan's family would like to thank the staff at Great Lakes Bay Health Center Shiawassee for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Susan. The family would also like to thank Compassus Hospice for caring for Susan at the end of her life.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday February 10th, 2024 at 11:00 AM at The Peoples Church, 200 Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823. Memorial Gifts may be made to The Peoples Church, Social Hall Fund, or The Wharton Center for Performing Arts 750 East Shaw Ln. East Lansing, MI 48825.
For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
Susan was employed by many major medical associations, serving as an executive director of communications for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Alzheimer's Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Susan also did independent consulting via her business, SAN Communications.
Susan was an active member of Women in Communications and made many close friends through her interaction with WIC members. She was also a volunteer and advocate for many charities and community programs. Susan gave both her time and talents to many causes by serving on boards and committees, helping with fundraising events and writing publications. Susan most recently served as a literacy tutor for adults.
Susan was a world traveler who enjoyed exploring and collecting art from China, Egypt, and many countries in Europe. She enjoyed ocean cruises including a special trip to Alaska. True to her love of American history, she also visited many historic sites and museums near and around Washington DC, Virginia, and Philadelphia. As a person who always stayed informed of current events, she maintained subscriptions to numerous major newspapers and printed articles daily to share. Susan was a prolific creator of custom greeting cards and never missed a birthday, anniversary or get-well card for all her family and friends.
Susan was a proud MSU alumni and football fan. Accordingly, she moved back to East Lansing after her retirement to enjoy the college town atmosphere and be involved in various MSU Alumni associations.
Susan was an Elder at the People's Church of East Lansing, where she was a Stephen Minister and was active on various committees within her church. Susan was a patron of all art forms, enjoyed sharing her love of the arts with her friends, family, and community. She volunteered at the Michigan History Center and The Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
Susan was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Sue Nowicki, and leaves behind her 3 brothers, Warren Nowicki, Marc Nowicki, and Lawrence Nowicki (Gail DeBellis), her nephews Sean (April) Nowicki, Chris Nowicki (Leslie Ewing), Danny (Danielle) Nowicki, Sam (Meagan) Nowicki, and nieces Jessica (Brian) Kleinfeld and Julie Peters, 14 great-nieces and nephews, and 1 great, great niece, close friends Chris and Bill Gentes, Denise Gentes, Rose Bartol, Karen Schneider, dorm mates Beverly and Mary, and many other loved ones.
Susan's family would like to thank the staff at Great Lakes Bay Health Center Shiawassee for the loving and compassionate care they provided to Susan. The family would also like to thank Compassus Hospice for caring for Susan at the end of her life.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday February 10th, 2024 at 11:00 AM at The Peoples Church, 200 Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823. Memorial Gifts may be made to The Peoples Church, Social Hall Fund, or The Wharton Center for Performing Arts 750 East Shaw Ln. East Lansing, MI 48825.
For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com.
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Memories
DH
David Harrison
Other •
I’m very sorry to see this, Susan worked with me doing PR for a medical conference, and she was terrific to work with. I remember her all these years later and I send my best to her family David Harrison
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KAREN M. SCHNEIDER
Other •
Sue and I worked together at AAOS over a span of more than 40 years. We traveled to many meetings together and shared many experiences. About 5 years ago she came to visit us in Illinois and we took the L downtown to the Art Institute for a special exhibit we wanted to see. We had a great time in the city that day and enjoyed lunch at the Museum's outdoor restaurant.
I helped her pack up her townhouse when she was preparing to move to Michigan and moved boxes of Christmas decorations and household decor to a storage locker nearby. We even made that fun!
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Todd Schneider
Other •
Sue, it was my pleasure to meet you. Your longtime friendship with my mother, Karen Schneider, enhanced her life. She loved you and your friendship for decades. Your health struggles are over. Enjoy your wings, Sue!
JS
John and Jane Smiros
Other •
John and Jane Smiros purchased the Classic Sympathy Dish Garden for the family of Susan A. Nowicki.
RB
Rose and Peter Bartol
Other •
Rose and Peter Bartol purchased the Peace, Prayers, & Blessings- All White for the family of Susan A. Nowicki.
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Lynn VonAllmen
Other •
Lynn VonAllmen purchased the Dish Garden with Fresh Cut Flowers for the family of Susan A. Nowicki.