Susanne M. (Koronka) Sides

Susanne “Sue” (Koronka) Sides, age 59, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. She was a beloved mother, sister, friend, and the best nana to her grand-dog.

Sue was born on August 1, 1963, in Gaylord, MI to Frank and Donna (Giffin) Koronka.

She graduated from St. Mary Cathedral High School in 1981.  After graduation she attended Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, receiving a degree in graphic design. She then worked for several newspapers including, Northern Star, Herald Times, and most recently, The Weekly Choice.

Her children were her pride and joy. Determined to give them the best life, she would make sure they could participate in all the events they wanted, even if she had to be the coach. From sporting events to band concerts, she was always there cheering as loud as she could! Always their biggest fan!

Sue loved to do crafts, work with her Cricut machine, create new designs, and make gifts for family and friends. She loved spending time with her daughter. Even if it was only going to a doctor’s appointment, they made it a good time! She loved her siblings and had so much fun on their “girls” shopping trips. All of those were special, but if asked, her favorite times were hanging out with her grand-dog. Sitting on the porch swing for hours with the dog became her preferred way to spend her days. Spoiling “her baby” with treats and car rides made her happy!

Whenever you saw Sue, she would always have a smile on her face, no matter what life was throwing her way. In 2013, she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). She accepted this disease as part of her life, and lived each day to its fullest, never knowing what symptom could arise tomorrow. She never let this chronic illness get her down and never said “Why me”. She accepted it, became an advocate, and took it on as part of her life.

While here on earth, “Mama Sue” made a significant impact on so many lives. The Internal Medicine practice at Otsego Memorial Hospital and the Zumba community of Gaylord will greatly miss her smiling face, her laugh, her hugs, and her encouragement.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Donna.

She is survived by her loving children, Trevor (Tamara) Sides, and Brittney (Brent) Horrigan, both of Gaylord; her sisters, Victoria (Michael) Beltz, of Skandia, MI, and Mary (Bob) Gapinski of Felch, MI; and brother, Doug (Amy) Koronka of Kalkaska; many nieces and nephews; her former husband and friend, Tom Sides; and of course, her favorite grand-dog, Autumn Mae.

Although this loss has created a very deep void in our life, we are fortunate to have many wonderful memories to keep close to us forever. We will no longer be seeing our mother as we have been accustomed to, but we know someday we will be with her again.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. from St. Mary Cathedral.

Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Visitation will continue Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at St. Mary Cathedral from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial donations may be made to the Neuromyelitis Optical (NMO) charity of your choice. Two of Sue’s favorites include the Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation online and the Sumaira Foundation (click on links provided).

Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.