Obituaries

Susan M. (Schaub) Messick

Died July 3, 2014

AURORA, ILLINOIS – Susan Marie Messick, 58, of Aurora, Illinois, passed to her eternal life on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Rush-Copley Medical Center in the company of her loving husband.

  Susan was born May 13, 1956 in Traverse City, the daughter of Francis X. and Jean A. (Gauthier) Schaub of Lake Leelanau.  A graduate of Leland Public School, Susan earned her Associate Degree in Graphic Art from The American Academy of Art in Chicago, Illinois.  In 1984, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her career.  There she met the love of her life, Raymond Osborne Messick, whom she married on June 13, 1987 at Holy Family Catholic Church of Marietta, Georgia.
  Susan, an independent thinker with much common sense and a strong work ethic, had a very successful career as an Operations Manager in the mortgage industry in Atlanta, Georgia, and most recently in Aurora, Illinois.  A talented artist, Susan had a keen eye for color and composition and worked in a variety of media, especially oil and acrylic painting.  She particularly enjoyed capturing the beauty and light of our natural world in photography as well as on canvas.  Her favorite recreational activities included bicycling, cross-country skiing, beach-walking, boating, gardening, and flower arranging.  An accomplished pianist and accompanist, Susan also enjoyed jazz, classical, and inspirational music.  She generously shared her artwork, talents, and interests with family and friends.  Her warm smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
  Susan was thankful for her relationships with her family, many relatives, and friends.  Most of all, she treasured being a loving wife to Ray and a mother to their son, Evan. Blessed with a strong faith, she recently authored a short book of her life experiences to provide encouragement and hope for those who mourn the loss of a child.
  Susan is survived by Ray, her husband of twenty-seven years; her mother Jean; siblings Mary Ann (Art) Urban of Traverse City, Mark Schaub of Lake Leelanau, Dennis (Kim) Schaub of Lake Leelanau, John (Mary Lou) Schaub of Lake Leelanau, Laura (Gordon) Gottfried of Traverse City; brother-in-law Warren Messick of Augusta, Georgia; nieces and nephews Jim (Erin) Urban, Julie (Johnny) Patubo, Katie Jo, Dean, Derek, Dylan, and Dustin Schaub, Emily Schaub, Kyle and Sarah Gottfried; a great-niece, great-nephews, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
  Susan was preceded in death by her beloved son Evan Michael Messick and her father, Francis X. Schaub.
  Visitation will be held Thursday, July 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Janowski on Friday, July 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Lake Leelanau.  The family will greet guests beginning at 10 a.m.  Interment of both Susan’s and Evan’s ashes will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lake Leelanau.  Father Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant.
  Memorials may be sent to www.curechildhoodcancer.org/  
  Please share thoughts and memories with Susan’s family on online at www.martinson.info
  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.