Susan Ann (Adams) La Faive

Susan was born October 23rd, 1953, in Van Nuys, California, a daughter of Clarence Alford and Dolores Henrietta (Glaser) La Faive. She grew up in Milwaukee, where she enjoyed an often adventurous and fearless childhood. She was known for doing her own thing and was often the leader of the pack with her younger siblings following along behind her. Along the way, she developed a strong work ethic which would serve her well for the rest of her life.

In 1970, the family relocated to Negaunee before Sue’s senior year in high school. She graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1971. She enrolled at Northern Michigan University majoring in fine arts, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree with a teaching certificate in 1975. In 1978, Sue married, Tom Adams, and together the couple made their first home in Marquette, later residing off the grid off of County Road 510, and finally settling in Skandia. In Skandia, Sue was able to pursue some of her favorite past times: gardening, taking care of animals, and utilizing her interest in conservation to work as a reforestation contractor planting trees. She also worked on construction projects including volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

In the mid 1990’s, a move was made to Lansing where Susan did some postgraduate work. It was there she met and later married, John Alashar Waltz. On November 25th, 1996, the couple welcomed their son, Matoska Waci Waltz. Susan was a very focused, devoted and proud mother. Being a mom was the joy of her life! While in Kalamazoo, she used her teaching skills in the classroom to teach in various positions. Throughout the years, she also held various employments involving holistic wellness and custodial duties with the public schools. Susan was a talented artist doing amazing charcoal and pencil drawings, graphic art and more. She used her graphic design skills to help establish the Hiawatha Music Festival through her posters and art. She also was instrumental in the beginnings of the Marquette Food Co-op. She believed in healthy food. Susan was a visionary.

In addition to her artistic talent, Susan, was a talented musician. She could play by ear any instrument she picked up. She played piano, flute, piccolo, violin and accordion. She was in Marching Band all through high school, playing the flute. She also played the accordion at church festivals. Susan was an avid gardener, enjoyed walking and hiking, usually 2-3 miles per day, possessed a huge love of animals, especially cats, and had been a vegetarian since her 20s, before it was popular. She was a hard worker, who always seemed to have some job or duty on her busy agenda.

Sue is survived by her son, Matoska Waci (fiance, Helen He) Waltz of Seattle, WA; her sisters, Lucy J. (Richard P. Smith) La Faive and Fran (Michael A.) French both of Marquette; a brother, Al La Faive of Menasha, WI; nieces, Melissa (Philip) Baker and Monica La Faive; a nephew, Nick La Faive; cousins, Judy Taylor, Darlene Horn, Debbie Shaver, Guy Averill, and Melody Renne.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Alashar Waltz and a sister-in-law, Sharyl La Faive.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette on Wednesday, June 15th, beginning at 1:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:00 pm with Rev. Greg Heikkala, pastor, as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter (ie. UPAWS) (https://upaws.org) or the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy for their work in the UP (https://preserve. nature.org/page/81523/ donate/1).

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.