Susan Ruth (Cope) Ekstrom, age 78, of St. Ignace, Michigan, passed away at home on December 6, 2024. Susan was a beloved wife, mother, and friend, whose curiosity, intellect, and compassion left a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to know her.
Born September 18, 1946, Susan was the daughter of Stanley and Ruth (Wartella) Cope, both of whom predeceased her. She was also preceded in death by her younger sister, Shelley Fitzpatrick.
Susan's academic journey was a testament to her lifelong passion for learning. After graduating from LaSalle High School, Susan went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude from Kalamazoo College in 1968, and was one of three Upper Peninsula students to receive the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society in the United States. A fierce supporter of all women, while at graduate school at Michigan State University, Susan co-founded the Consumer Task Force on the Childbearing Year, an educational support group for new parents. After graduating with her first master's degree in philosophy, Susan began her job as a Legislative Analyst at the Michigan House of Representatives in Lansing, Michigan, where she worked until retiring to complete her second master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan.
She is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Maurice Ekstrom, with whom she shared a loving partnership for more than sixty years; her son, Aaron; her daughter, Britta and her daughters partner Rebecca; her siblings, Barbara Ryerse and Michael Cope; and her nieces and nephews, Emily and Shea Fitzpatrick, Jordan, Drew, Michaela Cope, and Renauda and Erica McGrath.
Susan will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, wisdom, and compassion will continue to inspire all of those who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
While appreciated and gladly accepted, in lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Mackinac County Animal Shelter, 980 Cheeseman Rd, St. Ignace, MI 49781 or the St. Ignace Public Library, 110 W Spruce St, St Ignace, MI 49781.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
Obituary as submitted by family
