Susan Jean Strom

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died December 3, 2020

Susan Jean Strom, 62, died peacefully at home in Escanaba on December 3, 2020 of pancreatic and liver cancer. The youngest child of Wheaton and Elaine Strom of Escanaba, Sue was born in 1958. After graduating from Escanaba Area High School, Sue also graduated from a special equestrian program sponsored by the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse and began teaching dressage lessons to horse lovers in the area. Later she attended Bay de Noc Community College before obtaining a social work degree from Northern Michigan University.

Sue’s love of animals was a defining aspect of her entire life from childhood, when she rode her little bicycle out to Goodriders farm on the Old State Road, to her many years as a teacher and coach for various equestrian riders in the Upper Peninsula. She devoted much of her life to giving riding lessons, pony club summer camps and other equestrian events. She was a member of the Bay de Noc Kennel Club. While horses usually came first, she adored all her pets, various dogs and cats to her wonderful donkey, Buster and horse, Tommy.

Sue is survived by her husband, Richard Anzalone; sister, Karen (Charles) Lindquist, twin brothers, Paul L. (Sandra L. Anderson) Strom and Peter W. (Laura) Strom; nephews, David Lindquist, Patrick W. Strom, Philip L. Strom, Eric P. Strom, Lewis R. Strom and Nicholas P. Strom; brothers-in-law, Randall Anzalone and James (Almundena) Anzalone; sister-in-law, Mary (Mark) Wild and numerous nieces and nephews. Sue had many special friends including Laura Strom (Cook), Mary L. Gannon, Jill McDermott and Lynda Reese. Her family is especially thankful for “nephew” Doug Gill’s assistance during Sue’s last days.

Sue was preceded in death by her father, Wheaton L. Strom and mother, Elaine M. Strom.

Sue did social work with children at the Alternative High School, Teaching Family Homes, and as part of the administration of the Delta County Head Start program. She also worked briefly for Strom & Strom, PC.

Sue loved spending time with her husband, Richard, at their camp on the Escanaba River, walking their dogs, horseback riding, cross country skiing, gardening, listening to music and being with her family and friends. Sue’s own flower gardens were beautiful. Her Christian faith was important to her and she enjoyed her time as part of the Watson Bible Chapel.

There will be no visitation and a private service will be held later.

The Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba is assisting the family.

Contributions in Sue’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

32 Tributes for “Susan Jean Strom”

    I’m so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. We rode horses together as teens and she will always be someone special to me. God bless you Sue, you will always be missed.

    Dear Rich & Strom Family Members,

    Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful life!

    Carolyn Stacey

    Sue was a wonderful and inspiring Head Start administrator always looking out for the children and her staff. She had wonderful ideas on how to better the program so that each child’s potential could be served. It was with sadness that we learned of her death and Richard, you must be heart-broken. Don and I want to send our love and prayers for you at this time of loss. Sue’s sweet smile will be missed. God bless! Barb and Don Pfotenhauer

    We are shocked and saddened by the loss of lovely Susie. A kinder and more loving person could not be found. She faced every adversity with her beautiful smile and wonderful attitude. It must be true that only the good die young as she was the best of us. Happy Trails to you darling Susie.

    Sue I just was informed that U had gone up to the Other of God’s Country by John McDonald I will always remember the time that we spent in high school talking. I’m Blessed that I got to know U Sincerely CJ PERRYMAN III

    I had the opportunity to work with Sue years ago at Head Start where she led Family and Community Services for the tri-county area. She was bright, dedicated and cared greatly about her work. Sending warm thoughts to her family.

    I loved Susan dearly and immediately for many reasons. What you saw was what you got with her. No pretense, down to earth and easy to be with. So my kind of person❤️. Her joy in animals both horses and domestic pets showed her true loving soul. She just loved her riding kids and all to do with teaching them to love riding. She was a wonderful listener and patient in manner.
    She brought wisdom, joy, and so much more to our family and she will never be forgotten.

    I would say that Sue was a trainer for the horse, no matter the discipline. She was very intuitive and always knew what worked to find mental and physical balance for her equine friends. She not only was a kind and positive trainer, she shared her gift with many though lessons and friendship. She had a special talent for working with youth and helped local Pony Club organizations. Her contribution to the horse community will not be forgotten.

    Adendum by Paul L. Strom

    As a Social Worker, Susan Strom lived at times in the Family Homes, helping the young people live through their difficulties. She once took Eric into her own home, and treated him like her son. She was very helpful during hard times.

    She delighted in making Holly Hoc dolls with the kids.

    Her horses were famous and included Misty, Obie, Paleface, Zar, Dakota, Rockie and Tommy. She worked at the prestigious Willow Farm while in college in Marquette.

    Susie was a Professor, loved teaching introduction to college study, and was loved by her students.

    She also loved playing 8 -ball, and like Wheaton Strom, was quite good at it.

    Richard, Karen and Charles, Peter and Paul. I’m so sorry for your loss. Sue will always remain as a very special person to me. Ralph helped to build her barn in Watson. They rode horses together and she loved our Bryan when he was just a little guy. She will be missed by so many. Please know that we will keep you all in our prayers during this time.

    Thank you for being a part of my life that included horses. I appreciated all of your help and advice. I’m so sorry your last months were so very difficult but I trust you are in the arms of God now. Rest in peace.

    Sending condolences to her family and those affected. I was one of her students for years. I have many fond memories of days spent at the barn taking lessons from her and playing with Jake and Buster. Truly an outstanding teacher and person.

    Sue was very special. Whenever we saw her there were always cats, dogs, horses and a donkey in the mix and they all gravitated to Sue. Our pets would jump in her lap whenever she came over to our house. They saw the same thing Carol and I saw, a truly wonderful woman. Sue will be sorely missed by all!

    To the Strom Family ~ our prayers are with you in this difficult time. Our families go way back with much respect.
    Pete and Paul, my thoughts are with you.
    Barb Karas

    Sending my prayers to the Strom Family! I didn’t know Sue but sounds like she was as wonderful as the family members I do know.
    Love the Strom family…good people!

    Sue was a lovely person, and I was so surprised to hear of her illness and death. She once spoke with me about the religious symbolism of a donkey; her smile and face were bright with enthusiasm as she connected the story to the features of her own donkey. May your family find God’s grace and peace during this Advent season as we move toward Mary’s ride into Bethlehem. Terry Frankenstein

    So sorry for your loss – what a special person! She shared her gifts in so many ways, and touched many lives. Blessings to you all.

    Richard, Karen and Charles, Peter and Laura, Paul and Sandra, and extended family – The tragedy of Sue’s death is difficult, if not impossible, to understand and it is also difficult to put into words the extent of my sympathy. Although the words don’t come, please know the sympathy that exists in my heart for all of you. May you find peace in the coming days.

    We are so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Sue gave my sister and I horse lessons when we were younger. She was a tremendous person who not only helped teach us how to ride, but also gave us valuable life lessons. The world has lost an amazing person. 🙁

    Peter and Paul so very sorry to hear about the passing of Susan. She graduated with me in the 1976 class at Escanaba High School. I remember her to be a beautiful person inside and out. Our prayers go to all of her family during this most sad time. God Bless, Ed and Vicky Giguere.

    We are so sorry for the loss of dear Sue. She was indeed a special woman and true gift from God. We knew Sue from attending the Watson Bible Chapel some years ago. The highlight of knowing Sue was when she was baptized in our swimming pool at our home in Cornell. Pastor Dale Ecklid baptized Sue, his wife Stella and daughter Chelse, our son Bobby and myself (Kathy). Family and church family gathered on the deck to celebrate with us. Another angel to watch over us but gone too soon.

    I was shocked and saddened to hear of Sue’s passing. I remember Sue mostly from the Goodrider’s days with Misty. I hadn’t seen her in years but not long ago I met up with her at the Bay de Noc Kennel Club. I didn’t recognize her at first as she wasn’t facing me but as soon as I heard her voice I knew it was her. She was the same kind, gentle gal I remembered from all those years ago.

    You all have my deepest sympathy. She was special.

    To Itch (as we know Sue’s husband):

    Gerry and I were sorry to hear of your wife’s death. She was way too young. As I recall, her father died at a young age, as well. Really sad that such a compassionate person has to go so soon. Please accept our condolences. Pass along our sympathies to Peter and Paul, as well.

    Thank all of you for your kind words and memories of Sue. It means alot.

    She came to Laura in a dream, wearing my mom’s coat, which I believe is her telling us she’s warm, in Heaven with my mom, and ok. Love Paul.

    I feel a bit late yet,,Sue’s impact on me in her childhood , neighborhood friend,is significantly important…we were buddies … She connected me with,, my life force, our equine …our relationship as friends and what she shared with me and her horse Misty..changed my life forever….you never know how a person may effect your life..be wise and compassionate…for I am thankful for Susan Strom..my friend …happy trails

    Dear Karen and Family Members,
    I was so sad to hear of the passing of Sue. She and I attended many collaborative community meetings during my years at Delta County Dept. of Health and Human Services. I always enjoyed chatting with her and felt that she and I just clicked. My heart goes out to your family during this devastating time.

    Nancy Beck

    To Richard, the Strom family, and to all others who’s lives have been touched and enhanced by knowing Sue. We all have been blessed by having the good fortune of having her touch our lives and she will continue to always be in our heart, thoughts and prayers. Truly an outstanding person to all of us, and to the countless animals that benefited from her care, and love. She will be dearly missed by us all.

    Sue was an amazing woman. Kind, generous and a delight to be with. She will be missed by many. She is no longer suffering and at Peace with the Lord.
    Rock On, Sue
    Cubby & Ozzie

    I enjoyed all the times we rode our bikes out to Goodriders. Such great memories. We did lots of trail riding, she adored her horse, Misty.

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