Susan Marie Ledden

Susan Marie (Harms) Ledden passed away February 14th in the loving presence of her husband, Jim. She is survived by:  her adoring husband of 35 years, Jim; much-loved sons Jason and Kevin; mother, Norma Harms; brothers John (Pat), Jim (Wanda), David (Kathy), Mark (Donna), and sister Joyce. She is further survived by nieces and nephews Aaron, Carrie, Becky, Cindy, Adam, Ben, Brian, and Luke; grand nieces and nephews Tomas, Nathaniel, Julian, Ethan, Taylor, Emmber, and Asher as well her godparents Geraldine and Bob Gasaway, and numerous cousins and dear friends. Susan will be remembered for her strong sense of family, especially sitting around the table telling jokes and family stories.  She loved a good walk or hike outdoors, had a keen sense of exploration and travel adventures, and was a passionate reader.  Her good friends were important to her; her deep love for her two boys unquestioned, and her foundation was her friendship with her loving husband. Growing up in central Illinois, Susan attended Western Illinois University (WIU) where she earned her degree in analytical chemistry and met her future husband, Jim.  She landed a job immediately out of school working for The Upjohn Company (now Pfizer Inc.) in Kalamazoo, MI, where she worked for 35 years and was widely respected by her peers. Susan was a chocolate connoisseur - decades before it became fashionable - earning her the nickname "Chocolate Sue" before she was 11 years old. The family thanks the caring staff at Rose Arbor Hospice Center, with special thanks to Dr. Marcia Liepman, Kalamazoo Cancer Center. Services will take place at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Springfield, with visitation starting at 9:30, followed by services at 10:30.  A luncheon reception will follow at the church.   A memorial service will be held in Kalamazoo at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the WIU Foundation to support the Women in Science program. We love you and will miss you, Little One. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net