Suzanne Seiler Jones
Suzanne (Seiler) Jones, recently a resident of Eden Vista Memory Care in Fond du Lac and formerly of Madison and Green Bay, Wisconsin, died peacefully on Saturday, June 11, 2022.
Suzanne was born on April 9, 1946 in Danville, IL, to the late Galen and Mary Seiler. She graduated from East High School in Green Bay in 1964.
In 1968, she married Robert E. Jones in Reno, NV. They returned to Green Bay in 1969 and raised their two daughters, Melissa and Jennifer, in Ashwaubenon. They resided there until 1988.
Suzanne attended the University of Wisconsin (Madison) briefly after high school but returned to school in 1984 to get her bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She graduated summa cum laude, earning distinction in the major and the Chancellor’s Medallion. She earned her master’s degree in social work (MSW) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison the following year, in 1988, and was accepted into the doctoral program. At the same time, Suzanne also began working right at the university, first in the diversity/race relations department and then for 20 years as an assistant dean of students. She retired in 2010 with emeritus status.
Suzanne’s choice of career couldn’t be more fitting, as she had what her family referred to as “the face”. Hers was a face that was immediately friendly and trustworthy. She gave excellent advice, although never unwarranted. She was very easy to talk to and people instinctively knew this. These wonderful qualities followed her throughout her life. Even as she suffered from dementia, the other residents of her care facility asked her for help.
Suzanne had one hobby she held her entire life – reading. She was never caught without a book in her hand! Suzanne was the quintessential “bluestocking” and attracted like-minded friends. It was more of a personality trait than a hobby, really; she loved learning and if she was interested in a topic (politics, social issues, etc.) she would read everything she could on the subject. She also loved British mysteries, and did The New York Times crossword puzzle every day – in INK.
Throughout her life, Suzanne was a champion of the “underdog” – those people who were marginalized or disenfranchised. She was a staunch Progressive and proud of this fact, though she would always listen to both sides of an issue. She cared very deeply for social justice and peace, and supported these causes through her actions toward others.
Surviving Suzanne are her two daughters, Melissa/Mel (Brian) Kolstad of Fond du Lac, and Jennifer/Jenn (Michael) Zutter of Sun Prairie; two granddaughters, Natalie and Mia Zutter, of Madison, WI and Duluth, MN, respectively; two brothers, Louis/Lou Seiler, and Joseph/Joe (Jane) Seiler, both of Green Bay; nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert (Bob); her father, Galen (Sy) Seiler; her beloved mom, Mary Petry Seiler; and one brother, James.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 27 at 11 a.m., at the First United Presbyterian Church, 605 N. Webster Avenue, in De Pere. There will be a reception to follow.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude toward the amazing staff at Eden Vista Memory Care in Fond du Lac, her home for the past five years. We couldn’t have done it without your love and support. Special love also goes to Preceptor Home Health and Hospice, who helped Our Mom (and us!) navigate her final days.
In lieu of flowers, Suzanne would’ve loved to have you donate to your favorite library. GO BOOKS!!
Visit www.zacherlfuneralhome.com to send condolences.