Susan Pyke

Susan Elizabeth Pyke, age 83, of Charlevoix, Michigan and Naples, Florida passed away peacefully August 6, 2025 as the sun was rising over her beloved Lake Charlevoix home. Her loving daughters and sister were at her side.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents William M. and Lois E. Pontz of Kalamazoo, MI, sister Lucinda K. Talbot of St. George, ME, and husband Thomas R. Pyke of Richland, MI. Sue is survived by her daughters Laura E. White of Charlevoix, MI, Lisa R. Vigneault (Todd) of Herndon, VA, sister Barbara A. Fournier (Les Ford) of Naples, FL and her first husband, Laurence E. White of Vero Beach, FL. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Devin, Jenna, Cooper, Carson and Taylor whose lives she enriched with books, music, games and special Halloween and Christmas celebrations. She shared laughter and fun family times with her nieces and nephews (Doug, Dave, Elizabeth and Julie) and their children.

Making and sustaining friendships were the hallmark of Susan’s life. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she went to Milwood Elementary School, graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University. For over sixty years she was the glue that kept classmates from these schools together for lunches and reunions. Susan adored little children. She was a successful preschool teacher and through the years kept in touch with her students and their families as they grew. In her second career as a real estate agent, those lucky enough to work with her, found both a new home and a friend for life. Through the years, in the neighborhoods where she lived, everyone was her friend from the moment she met them. Whether it be block parties in Portage, MI, the “Friends Group” in Kalamazoo, MI, or cottage owners in Charlevoix the Beautiful where she spent over 60 summers.

When Susan relocated to Naples, FL for the winter months, she was a natural to lead her condo association Social Committee, a job she happily fulfilled for over 10 years. As new buyers became owners, they also became Susan’s friends. She reinvigorated a sense of community among residents.

She was active in the Kalamazoo and Naples Alpha Chi Omega Alumnae chapters, serving as President for over 60 years, and also both Junior League organizations. She was a beloved member at Naples United Church of Christ. In 2011, Susan was awarded the Philip P. Perry Humanitarian award. The award honored the legacy of a Greater Kalamazoo Association of Realtors member that was devoted to a lifetime of selfless humanitarian efforts. She embodied this spirit of selfless giving in her communities. Susan had a passion for travel, theater, opera, music, gardening, March Madness and always was up for “Going on a Bear Hunt”.

Susan was living out her life’s adventure and Jesus was her guide and companion. Her celebration of life will be held in Kalamazoo, MI on October 25 and in Naples, FL in the spring of 2026.

Memorial contributions in Susan’s name may be sent to: Moffitt Cancer Center, https://fundraise.moffitt.org/fundraiser/6555081 or Munson Hospice, www.munsonhealthcare.org/supporthospice. Checks can also be mailed to 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684. Munson Hospice’s care and compassion enabled Susan to pass away peacefully and in the presence of family in her own home.

Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Susan may be placed at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com