Susan Frances Bond Mazzarelli died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones and was welcomed into the waiting arms of her mother, father and grandmother on June 19, 2021.

Most dearly, Sue leaves behind her two children, Lisa Menichino and Mike (Michelle) Mazzarelli, in addition to six grandchildren and two great grandchildren, all of whom she loved exceptionally and unconditionally. She also leaves behind a gaggle of siblings: Cathy (Pete) Zinkus, Patrick (Terry) Bond, Liddy (Mike) Olszewski, Anne (Henry) Emrich, Mike Bond, Monica (Terry) Van Dyke, and Patty Baldwin. Those siblings, in turn, provided Sue with more family to love: seven nieces and seven nephews.

With the help of her grandmother, Mama Johnson, Sue took on the mantle of matriarch of the Bond family after her mother's death in 1968. She was a constant presence in the lives of her sisters and brothers throughout the years that followed. "Home" was where Susie lived, and her sibs were very frequent visitors. She was their touchstone.

Sue was a loving mother to her daughter Lisa and son Mike. She treasured the time spent with her grandchildren Maria, Tony, Mario, Joey, Mike and Bella. Great grandsons Leo and Angelo brought great joy to Sue's life.

"Sue Sue" was a very talented gardener and landscaper; her backyard was a tranquil oasis of abundant flowers, birdhouses, bird feeders, a fountain and pond. Her green thumb was evident all around her yard. Her warmth and creativeness were reflected throughout the interior of her home.

Sue loved cooking, baking, preparing family holiday feasts and hosting parties for family, friends and neighbors where guests enjoyed an array of homemade horderves, entrees and sensational desserts. Music and dancing were always on the after-dinner menu. Her garage parties were legendary. Her burritos, bruschetta, tortellini and potato salads were second to none.

Susie was a down-to-earth woman and a hard worker. To provide more for her children, Sue supplemented her family income by operating a day care facility in her home, by managing a food-catering business on the side, and by overseeing an office cleaning company with her husband in the evenings. If a family member or friend asked for her counsel, she was a voice of reason. Her advice was always well-intentioned, spot-on, and from the heart.

Sue extended her caring attitude to the greater Grand Rapids community by volunteering at a local nursing home. She helped transport patients from room to room, engaged them in games and art activities, and distributed reading materials per patients' requests. Sue enjoyed volunteering at Meijer Gardens, one of her favorite spots. Additionally, Sue sewed beautiful pillows, curtains, bedding and other decorative items that she donated to brighten the bedrooms of needy children identified by a local charity, God's Kitchen.

As her BFF, Patty, said: "Sue always went out of her way to help and be there for everyone who needed her and never asked for anything in return."

That pretty much sums up Sue's life. She was a loving mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, confidant, caregiver, helper and a shoulder to lean on … or cry on. Sue could be counted on for anything, whether it be a needed hug, a haircut or a sandwich.

Rest In Peace, dear Susie, and rest assured that, one day, we will all be together again.

Memorial gifts in Sue's honor may be made to:
The Solanus Casey Center
1780 Mount Elliott Street
Detroit, MI 48207
or
Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods
8214 Pfeiffer Farms Dr. S.W.
Byron Center, MI 49315

A celebration of Sue's life will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 beginning at 3:00 PM.
Family and friends please join us at the Thompson's home located at:
1440 Crystal Way CT.
Middleville, MI. 49333 Service Details. Celebration of Life Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 | 3:00pm
When: Sunday, August 22nd, 2021 3:00pm
Location: Thompsons Home
Address: 1440 Crystal Way CT Middleville, Michigan 49333