Susan VanderWiere, 78

Susan Lee VanderWiere, age 78, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 2, 2025, after a three-year battle with cancer.

She was born December 18, 1946 in Muskegon, the daughter of Fred and Betty (Kooi) Studier.

Susan graduated from Mona Shores High School with the Class of 1965, then earned her associate’s degree at Muskegon Community College and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Western Michigan University.

She taught in Muskegon before marrying Paul VanderWiere and moving to Three Rivers. Here, she poured into the lives of students in kindergarten through sixth grade for decades, retiring after 38 years.

Susan loved to travel – whether to Scotland, the Rhine River, or her favorite place, Ireland. She also enjoyed reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren at their sporting events.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her son, Jeffrey (Julie) VanderWiere; daughter, Kristin (David Kenyon) VanderWiere; grandchildren, Megan Dahlinger, Bryce (Olivia) VanderWiere, Jaden VanderWiere, Parker Garwick, and Kinsleigh Garwick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ted Leroy Studier; and sister, Joni Marie Studier.

A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 at Latitude 42, 6101 W. Main St., Kalamazoo. All are welcome.

Donations in Susan’s memory may be directed to the Three Rivers Promise. Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home.