Susan Joy Mikolajczyk
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Published in The Republican on September 9, 2024
Susan Joy (Halama) Mikolajczyk passed away peacefully with Robert, her husband by her side. She entered into eternal rest on Friday, Sept 6th after a battle with ALS.
Susan (Suzzie) was born on December 11, 1962 to loving parents John and Jean (Laskowski) Halama. Susan is predeceased by her precious, loving sister, Linda Rose (Halama) Goodwin, and first cousin John F. Rusinowski of Chicopee.
Suzzie graduated from Holyoke High School in 1980. Her career began in retail working at the Size 5 7 9 Shops in the Holyoke Mall working part-time, then gradually getting promoted to Assistant Manager, then Manager. She also worked at Gantos, an upscale fashion store. Suzzie’s fashion sense was always present, loving clothes, hats, scarves, jewelry, and of course her Louis Vuitton handbags.
Suzzie worked for Hairobics in West Springfield then later the Finishing Touch in South Hadley as a receptionist for 15 years before retiring in 2011.
Her true passion was decorating, especially at Christmas. Her large, live, Christmas tree was truly magnificent! A work of art that looked like it could have been in a Hallmark movie or on the cover of Better Homes and Garden magazine! Suzzie also loved her roses and wild animals. She enjoyed butterflies, hummingbirds, bird watching, and gazing at the deer that would visit in the wintertime.
Suzzie was cheerful, hysterical, compassionate, easy-going, generous, and spiritual. A deeply loving woman who touched the lives of all who were blessed to know her. She made life better, fuller and more vibrant just by being Suzzie. To know her was to love her.
With her passion for boating, she reveled in the New England beauty, especially along Long Island Sound, and Shelter Island off the North Fork, the home of songwriter and Piano Man Billy Joel. Another favorite spot was Old Saybrook Connecticut home of the late legendary Hollywood actress Katherine Hepburn. Her favorite home port was Deep River, Connecticut where the 40-ft Ave Maria was docked, the last boat she and Robert shared. She enjoyed the summers aboard the boat, taking all five animals three dogs and two cats. She adored her furry companions especially her Pekingese Madison Marie (Maddie), her best friend.
Her kind spirit and demeanour will be missed. She is survived by her loving husband Robert (Bobby), First cousins Thomas Rusinowski and life partner Royeston DeWitt both of Cape Coral, Florida, Joe Rusinowski of Chicopee, sisters-in-law Joan Mikolajczyk and Sandra Zieminski both of South Hadley along with many nieces and nephews.
Services for Susan will be held at the Barry J. Ferrell Funeral Home in Holyoke Massachusetts. Calling hours are Thursday Sept. 12th 4 PM to 7 PM. Funeral Services are Friday Sept. 13th starting at 9 AM at the Funeral Home followed by a 10 AM service at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Granby, MA
A quote that Suzzie cherished:
“THE DARKEST HEARTBREAK IS FRAMED BY THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT”
Contributions can be made to the CCALS Foundation
