Sue Ann Tillotson

Sue Ann Tillotson, 76, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026. She was born on June 10, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, to Richard W. and Elizabeth J. Smith. She graduated from Cherry Hill High School in 1968 and earned her bachelor’s degree from Alma College in 1972.

Sue devoted her life to education and to the countless children whose lives she touched along the way. A beloved elementary school teacher, she spent 30 years teaching second grade at Charlevoix Elementary School, with additional years teaching first grade. She found great pride and joy in her students, in helping them learn and grow, and in making her classroom a place filled with curiosity, creativity, and care.

Her students were fortunate to experience the many interests Sue brought into her classroom. Her deep love of animals was especially memorable, with her classroom at times resembling a miniature zoo, complete with animals both familiar and exotic for her second graders to observe, learn about, and enjoy. Her dedication to children continued long after she left the classroom. In retirement, she worked as a tutor, giving her time and experience to students who needed additional educational support, including those whose families might not otherwise have had access to it.

Sue was also a gifted artist who loved to paint. In the late 1970s, she contributed her artistic talents to Charlevoix Public Schools’ restoration of the historic Beaver Head Lighthouse on Beaver Island. Her creativity also had a profound influence on her son, Andrew, encouraging his artistic abilities from an early age and helping inspire a successful career in design that has showcased his work around the world.

Outside of teaching and art, Sue was an avid reader with a particular love of suspenseful fiction and mysteries. She loved to travel, remained endlessly curious about the world around her, and had a lifelong affection for learning about different cultures and the performing arts.

Sue was also a familiar and welcoming presence at the Tillotson Orchard u-pick station, where she enjoyed greeting customers and helping during the cherry season. Many who visited the orchard may remember Sue not only for her warm welcome, but for the long conversations she easily struck up with those who stopped by. She genuinely enjoyed getting to know people, and a quick visit to the u-pick station could easily turn into an hour or two.

Sue is survived by her son, Andrew (Margaret) Tillotson, and her grandson, Henry Tillotson of Lake Forest Park, Washington.

She was preceded in death by her caring husband, Thomas, and her parents, Richard W. “Dick” and Elizabeth J. “Bette” Smith.

Sue leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the generations of children she taught, encouraged, and cared for throughout more than three decades in the classroom. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, former students, residents of the American House, and the many people whose lives were made better by knowing her.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes on Saturday, September 19, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.