Suzanne Neidlinger

Suzanne Denise (Loye) Neidlinger, a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on October 15, 2025, at the age of 72. Born on August 8, 1953, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Suzanne grew up on Lake Michigan Drive and spent her life in West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Jenison, and Hudsonville.

As a child, Suzanne attended Eastern Orthopedic, a school for children with physical challenges. She often said the experience shaped who she became—it deepened her compassion and gave her a lasting sense of empathy for others, qualities that would define her throughout her life.

Suzanne was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Surofchek and one of eight siblings. She is survived by her sisters Constance Loye, Patricia Law, Judith Smith, Rebecca Kerbyson, Deborah Loye, her brother Robert Loye, her daughter, two sons, three grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters Kathy Meijer and Nancy Loye, as well as her former husband, Michael Neidlinger, for whom she always held great affection.

Family was the heart of Suzanne’s world. She was a devoted mother to Ashlee Adams, Noah Neidlinger, and Micah Neidlinger, and a proud and loving grandmother to Yesenya, Sylas, and Beatrix. Her family will remember her as a source of warmth, humor, and quiet strength—a listener, comforter, and steady presence through every season of life.

Suzanne had a gift for nurturing life in all its forms. A true green thumb, she surrounded herself with plants and gardens that flourished under her care. She loved nature and animals, often stopping to help a turtle cross the road or to admire the beauty of a simple moment outdoors. Creative at heart, she enjoyed working with driftwood and beach glass, crafting art that reflected her love of water and the natural world.

Her delicious homemade fudge became a signature gift to family and friends—made with love and shared with joy. Suzanne also had a special gift for connecting with others. Whether catching up with loved ones or chatting with a stranger she’d just met while selling something on Facebook Marketplace, people were drawn to her warmth, empathy, and genuine curiosity.

Suzanne’s faith was a quiet but constant light in her life. She believed deeply in an all-loving God—the greatest teacher there is—and found comfort in the promise of an afterlife free from pain, filled only with God’s perfect love. Her family takes peace in knowing that she now rests in that love she trusted so completely.

Suzanne’s spirit will live on in the people and places she touched—in every thriving plant, every piece of beach glass, and every act of quiet kindness done in her memory.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, organized by her children. It will almost certainly be held near water.