Date of Death: September 2, 2025
Service Details
A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Latitude 42, 6101 W. Main St., Kalamazoo. All are welcome.
Obituary Notice
Susan Lee VanderWiere, 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.
Additional Information
Donations in Susan’s memory may be directed to the Three Rivers Promise. Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Heaven got a very special Angel on September 2nd. She will truly be missed Sending hugs and prayers to her family 💕
Jeff and Kristin, we are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You were blessed with a loving mother, who will live on with you, your children, and all the students whose lives she touched. What a great gift.
What a beautiful person both inside and out. You have so many amazing memories of her. Sue touched all of those who knew her in some way. She was so proud of each of you. In the words of Maury Schwartz,” Death ends a life; Not a relationship..”. Hugs
Prayers for Jeff and Kristen and families. Sue was such a wonderful person, a great teacher. Best thoughts and prayers for all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Big bear hugs to ya alls. Sending condolences.
Our prayers & condolences go out to Kristin, Jeff & families. Your mom was a wonderful woman, teacher & friend. I have wonderful memories of her. She will be greatly missed by all. Our prayers are with you.
Sue was a great part of the Three Rivers community and will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful teacher. Prayers and thoughts to her family and friends.
Mrs. VanderWiere was my fourth grade teacher and my favorite teacher. During my junior and senior year at TRHS, had the opportunity to return to her classroom as a cadet teacher. She graciously and generously shared her experience and expertise as a master teacher with me. May we all remember the positive, lasting impact a special teacher has on our lives. It is with deep appreciation and affection that Mrs. VanderWiere will be forever remembered as a builder of dreams and a nurturer of potential in my life.
So sad to hear of Mrs. VanderWiere’s passing. I still remember her as my teacher in 6th grade. Every time I saw her was a pleasure. She will be missed.
Sending Prayers, I loved your mom. She will truly be missed
Riley from Vineyards?
yes
Comanche Trail lost a great neighbor. Sue has been part of our Trail for 20 plus years. Great neighbor that will truly be missed by many. I’ve known Sue for longer than that as our girls played sports together in high school and she was a true supporter of her kids and grandkids. She left a life long impression on my kids thru the years. Thoughts and prayers to Kristin, Jeff and their families.
I have many fond memories of her as a teacher and someone who supported me throughout my adolescence. The absolute best laugh and smile. I remember when her hands turned orange because she was eating too many carrots. She was just a wonderful person. I am sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Susan (still Mrs. VanderWiere to me) was such a wonderful person with such a big heart. I remember my freshman year at Kalamazoo College when we visited and stayed at Three Rivers with your mom and she was such a gracious host – she made us all feel right at home. At all of our Hornet basketball 🏀 games, she was a quiet force always supporting her boys on our team. She will be missed. Wishing you all joy in her memories and peace over time. Love 💗 from the Dean family.
I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss. Susan was a dear lady , always enjoyed my visits with her..She will be missed by so many.
May she rest in peace.
Sue how do I tell you how much you are loved and will be missed. Sending prayers to your family. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Love the Shutes Family
We are SO very sorry to hear of Susan’s passing.
She was the most wonderful person, Teacher, friend.
She was both my Daughters 3rd grade teacher!
Rest in Peace, Susan!
Ann, Kaytlynn & Kylee Davidson
Sending condolences to the family. Thank you for letting me be a caregiver to Miss Betty and Susan. Two great ladies.
Susan, we had some great talks and laughs. If you only knew how much you are missed.
Sending prayers and love.
Barb Bradford