Suzanne M. "Suzy" Hozer

When enjoying the company of Suzy Hozer, it always proved to be an uplifting and fun time. An optimistic woman who encouraged those around her with ways all her own, Suzy gave from the heart and loved from the soul. She was a caring woman whose family brought her the greatest joy. Above all, their love was all she ever needed. Deeply missed, she will be remembered in the hearts of all. Born on April 15, 1937, Suzanne's birth was a most welcome event in the lives of her parents, Russell and Thelma (LaChapelle) Bourdon of Muskegon, Michigan. An eventful year altogether, The Golden Gate Bridge was brought to completion, and aviation pioneer Amelia Earharts disappearance that year continues to remain a mystery while the explosion of the Hindenburg marked the end of the airship era. Suzy, along with her twin sister, Diane joined their older siblings, Bill, June, Bob, Sally, Rita, and Jerry. They later welcomed a younger brother, David. Suzy's father worked hard to support their large family as an engineer with the Shaw Walker Corporation in Muskegon and her mother was employed as a legal secretary. Life for many continued to be a struggle yet the Great Depression was slowly coming to an end and hope was on the horizon. The Bourdon family made their home across the street from their family parish, St. Jean's Catholic Church where Suzy attended elementary school. Suzy and her twin sister, Diane loved playing tricks to confuse the nuns at school as it was often times difficult to tell them apart. Nearly inseparable, the two sisters remained very close throughout their lives. Avid ice skaters, Suzy and her family enjoyed a large ice rink each winter next to the school for all to enjoy. Sadly, Suzy and her family experienced the untimely death of her brother David when he died in a drowning accident at the age of 10, followed by her father Russell's death, July 3, 1958. During high school, Suzy's life was filled with fun-filled times cruising The Ovals at Pere Marquette Park along Lake Michigan and making the loop through downtown Muskegon. She held fond remembrance of her teen years attending school dances, dating, and going to her prom. A likable gal, she spent loads of time with friends and enjoyed taking in the summer sun at the beach. She was a member of the French Club, Glee Club and Boosters. After graduating from Muskegon Catholic Central High School in 1955, Suzy and Diane began working for the Brunswick Corporation. During this time, Suzy went on an exciting trip with her mom, Dad and sister Diane to Mexico. She treasured this time with her and held the memories of their trip together close to her heart. There was something else tugging at Suzy's heart, and his name was Jim Hozer. Suzy worked with Jim at Brunswick and they soon began dating. After falling in love, they were blessed in marriage on November 25, 1961 at St. Jean's. They made their first home together at 308 W. Forest in Muskegon and soon began a family of their own with the births of four children, Danielle, Richard, Jason, and Julie. Jim continued working at Brunswick while Suzy remained at home as a homemaker. Always loving and attentive, she never ceased in supporting her children and their many activities. Everyone always looked forward to Friday night pop night in their home and Sunday evenings were reserved for family time in front of the TV for the Wonderful World of Disney. Having come from a large family herself, Suzy and her family always enjoyed large, annual gatherings with extended family, especially at Halloween and the Fourth of July. At Christmas, Suzy and her family attended midnight Mass followed by a traditional french breakfast. Throughout their lives, Suzy remained very close to her twin sister, Diane and her family, the Pavlov's. The two families enjoyed many wonderful times together over the years. Suzy made a good home for Jim and the kids. Vacations were enjoyed each year which included one week with their family taking in the excitement of Cedar Point, camping, or trips to visit family. The second vacation was a time for Suzy and Jim to getaway on their own. They made many trips to Las Vegas, and Suzy loved excursions with three of her sisters every year for a week. Although Suzy experienced a difficult time when her mother, Thelma passed away in 1976, the love and support of family saw her through. Once her children were older, Suzy embarked on yet another life adventure in 1978 when she graduated from Daniel's School of Cosmetology. For 35 years, she worked as a cosmetologist and was currently working at the New Image Salon. Suzy had two very special family members, Nern and Otto Scharmer who were not only inspirational to Suzy, but encouraging with unconditional love. Family and faith were a large part of Suzy's life, and she would not have wanted it any other way. When Suzy became a grandmother with the birth of Dominique, her heart was full. Eventually, nine grandchildren filled her life with endless joy and love. She was very close with all her grandchildren and made them each feel special. She loved playing games with them, and quite often coaxed them on by saying, "Sit down and let's play until I win!" A great cook, Suzy loved putting on a large spread with plenty of family favorites. She loved her work, and in her free time, she enjoyed reading, and was always up for a trip to the casino. Of course, everyone loved Suzy's exuberant nature. When recalling her "I'm splendid today" or "glorious" marital years, not to mention her "have a miraculous day!" It will be these things and more for which she will be lovingly and fondly remembered. Mrs. Suzanne M. "Suzy" Hozer, age 76, of Muskegon, passed away very suddenly on Tuesday, October 15, 2013. SURVIVORS: Husband of 51 years, James; sons, Richard (Jody) Hozer of Muskegon, Jason (Donna) Hozer of Grand Haven; daughters, Danielle (Dean) Cady of Twin Lake, Julie (Gary) Bennett of Muskegon; nine grandchildren; brother, Jerry (Jane) Bourdon of CA; sisters, June Martin of Hastings, Rita Fader of Dearborn, her twin, Dianne (Jerome) Pavlov of Trenton; several nieces and nephews. SERVICE: Monday, October 21, 2013, 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Matthew Barnum officiating. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION: Sunday, 3-7 PM with a Rosary Service at 6:30 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: St. Jude Children's Hospital. To share a favorite memory or photo of Suzy and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com.