Mary Suzanne (Smith) "Suzie" Schmitzer

Mary Suzanne “Suzie” (Smith) Schmitzer, 86, died peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Bronson Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan.

 Suzie was born July 5, 1938, in Marshall, Michigan to Elsworth “Al” and Mary Virginia (McDonald) Smith. She grew up in Marshall and was a 1956 graduate of Marshall High School. She was employed at the Battle Creek Federal Center in her 20's and then dedicated her life to raising her family.

Mary Suzanne Smith was united in marriage to Raymond Edmond Schmitzer on June 20, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marshall, Michigan. They celebrated over 58 years of marriage prior to Ray’s death on February 22, 2018. Surviving are a son, Michael James (Margie Kipp) Schmitzer of Battle Creek, a daughter, Linda Kay (Joseph) Tuttle of Atlanta, GA; grandson, Jacob “Jake” (Caroline Zimmerman) Tuttle, granddaughter Lauren Margaret Tuttle and numerous beloved nieces and nephews and their families. Cherished, lifelong friends Lois Calderone and Jeanette Flynn were by her side in good times and in bad. In addition to her husband, Ray, Suzie was also preceded in death by her parents and several other relatives from the Schmitzer "clan".  

Suzie was a dedicated member of St. Philip Catholic Parish, the Women's Service Organization and active parish prayer group. She enjoyed playing the organ at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish and was crowned May Queen as a teenager which brought her much joy and happiness. The Our Lady of Lourdes apparition and praying the Rosary throughout her life helped her feel very close to our Blessed Mother Mary, the mother of God. She prayed for children and families needing the help of St. Jude’s Hospital. She loved spending time with her family, children, grandchildren and extended family. Suzie was deeply devoted to her catholic faith and her family. Many referred to Suzie as a sweet, dear lady. She will be remembered for her devotion to God, to our Blessed Mother Mary, and to her family.

 Friends and family will be received 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where the Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Thursday. A service to celebrate Suzie's life will be officiated by Rev. James Richardson at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, 105 Capital Avenue NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017, 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2024. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Catholic Parish, 112 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or St. Mary Catholic Parish, 212 W Hanover St, Marshall, MI 49068. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.