Susan E. Heileman

Susan E. Heileman, age 71, a faithful Child of God, passed from her temporary earthly home on Monday, August 17, 2020, to her eternal home with her Precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom she loved with all her heart. She was born in Grand Rapids, MI on February 2, 1949 to Allen and Hazel Heileman. She graduated from Mount Mercy High School and later received a diploma from Davenport College. She was a loving, gentle, compassionate, charitable, sensitive, cheerful, tender-hearted woman who chose to spend her entire life in joyful service to others by working as a nurse’s aide. She worked many years at Metro Hospital, several nursing homes including Marywood and Aquinata, caring for the elderly and retired Dominican nuns, and also did private care nursing for many friends. She always wanted to help someone in whatever way she could. She loved Bible studies, music, sang in the church choir, enjoyed doing calligraphy, was an avid reader, and just enjoyed spending time with her many friends and family. She always had a smile or a hearty laugh to share and maybe a little quip. There was always a special spot in her heart for animals, especially cats, namely her own Herman, Matthew, Sammy, Tony and Callie Ann. She was dearly loved and will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Fred Ignatoski; a niece, Amy Ignatoski; nephews, Jim and Chanda Ignatoski, Mike and Kathy Ignatoski, Rob and Jenn Ignatoski, Gregg Ignatoski; as well as Ignatoski grand nephews and nieces, Michael and Jess (and their children, Isaac and Bryn), Kyle, Phillip, Theresa, Anna, Nick, Emily and Abby. She will also be missed by her very special, loved and longtime friend, Arlene Katerberg, along with many other dear friends and Allendale cousins. We give warm appreciation and special thanks to all the staff at Mission Point of Cedar Springs for all their care and support the last 10 months. A Funeral Mass will be held 1 pm Thursday, August 20 at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Peter Damian officiating.  Burial Greenwood Cemetery. Due to the Corona Virus situation, there is no visitation prior to the Mass and no luncheon. Masks will be required. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.