ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in loving memory my mother, Sue Ann (Ray) Nofziger. I'm doing this in lieu of any service or ceremony.

I hope that you find the pictures and stories here a tribute to my mother. I also hope that you will, if you feel moved, leave your own stories/pictures/tributes to my mother. In this way, this site will go from being "Tara's version of Sue Ann" to something more rich and varied.

I have found great support and comfort from notes left by friends and family on the Caring Bridge site while she was alive; I suspect your thoughts and feelings here will do the same for me and others now that she's gone.

If you feel moved, please consider making a donation in honor of Sue Ann to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (link is to fundraising page). Thank you!

~Tara, daughter of Sue Ann

Tributes

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Marge Ryznar
June 3, 2022
June 3, 2022
Tara,
I am so glad that you decided to do this page when your mom passed away. I know it is hard with each year that those special dates pass, but I hope coming back to this somehow lessens the pain. I have gone back and read some of the posts and everyone of them share the same sentiment. She was an amazing woman who raised an amazing daughter. I am thankful I get these reminders because it brings back so many happy memories of so long ago that get tucked away and I don't want to forget. You were blessed to have each other and she is watching over you and smiling seeing all that you have accomplished and continue to do in your life. God bless....Margie Ryznar
John Estrada
May 17, 2020
May 17, 2020
Such a nice memory of your mother.
We will continue to honor our mothers' memories. And know that those pangs of longing never get any better, only different.
Virtual hug to such a wonderful daughter of an outstanding mother.

Sincerely-
John
Alan Lopez
May 17, 2020
May 17, 2020
Thinking of Sue Ann on her birthday, and feeling lucky to be remembering her together with her amazing daughter, Tara.
Alan Lopez
May 19, 2019
May 19, 2019
Remembering Sue Ann on her birthday this week, and on the anniversary of her passing in the coming 2 weeks.
Alan Lopez
May 16, 2017
May 16, 2017
Remembering Sue Ann on her birthday today. The more I hear from Tara about how Sue Ann raised her daughter, the more thankful I am for how she lived for those she loved.
Khalilah Lyons
May 16, 2017
May 16, 2017
It's funny how life works.  2 years ago I was blessed to spend my birthday with Sue Ann. And because of her amazing spirit and because of the wonderful contributions she's made to some of the most special moments in my life, I'll always think of her around this time of year. I just did, very fondly of course, last week as I thought about my birthday plans. It's wonderful to be able to think of such a wonderful person automatically when I think about the overall celebration of life.  I think I have the same sentiment every year, but that's because it's true. Miss and Love you Sue Ann.
Khalilah Lyons
June 2, 2016
June 2, 2016
I have so many things in my life that remind me of you Sue Ann.  Including my birthday now because I spent it with you last year. You are missed, but you left so many wonderful memories, so much love here for us to remember you by.  Thank you.
Alan Lopez
May 27, 2016
May 27, 2016
Sometimes I think grief isn't so much about healing, but about finding the courage over time to remember even thought it hurts at first; to reclaim every special moment and hold on to the joy it brought, despite the awareness of loss it triggers. I know you have so many of those moments with your mother - times when you laughed together about something one of you said, and other times just being together. My wish for you is that when you remember your mother now and mark the passing of a year since she died, there will be a smile on your face even though tears are blurring your eyes.. -love, Alan
Marge Ryznar
October 26, 2015
October 26, 2015
Dear Tara,
I was in shock when you informed me of your mother's passing. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I remember your mom having such a big smile and even a bigger heart. Growing up as a kid I remember her making ginger bread house's. One year she made ginger bread girls and boys for all of us kids that went to the subdivision Christmas party. I think I may still have mine. She made the prettiest cakes for special occasions and even if it wasn't a special occasion. She always remembered my birthday. She would get me a card and sometimes a special treat. I loved going over to your house and hanging out with her . She was the " cool" neighborhod parent. She let me call her Sue Ann and not Mrs Nofzinger. Keep her memories close to your heart. Think of all the great things you and her did together. It will make those sad times a little less sad. Thank you so very much for taking such wonderful care if such a wonderful woman. I know it wasn't easy but it has made you the person you are today . Thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Khalilah Lyons
September 14, 2015
September 14, 2015
I've been thinking about your mom the past few days.  And I wish I had a poetic string of words to say why, but I don't. She's such a key part of three of the most important celebrations in my life, and maybe as I think on the shift my life is taking, it somehow brings up memories of your mom. Who knows how our minds work at times and how things are connected. But I am so happy I connected with her in life and have tokens of her kindness that will be with me and my family.
Khalilah
Diane Young
September 8, 2015
September 8, 2015
Dear Tara,
  I was saddened to learn of your mother's passing when reading the Archbold Buckeye. I am so sorry and send my deepest sympathy. Sue Ann, her brothers and I went to Pettisville High together. I was a year ahead of her, but we were in cheerleading together and were majorette's in the band. I have wonderful memories of those days together with her. I am so sorry that she had the battle she did with cancer. Please give your uncle Jim my regards and sympathy also. May God be near you and may He be your comfort in the days ahead. Diane Seiler Young
Santos Rodriguez
August 31, 2015
August 31, 2015
Dear Tara,

I was one of her classmates at Pettisville. Went there from Kindergarten to Graduation, so I knew your mom pretty good. She was a very fine person, the whole time I knew her. So was your grandfather and grandmother. I was one of your dad's (Johnny as I called him) buddies, actually he was my neighbor.

My condolences to you and yours. I know she made it to heaven..

Santos Rodriguez
Barbara Short
August 26, 2015
August 26, 2015
I went to school when your grandparents worked at the school at Pettisville. Sue Ann was in my sister Patty's grade. I was 6 years older. I am sorry about her passing and her fight with breast cancer, and can tell by the pictures that she was a wonderful mother and will be missed by you. Thank you for sharing them.
Sharon Sauder
August 15, 2015
August 15, 2015
My memories of your mother are of her early years as a child.  I'm not sure she was even in school.  I baby sat when your grandpa and grandma Ray wanted to go out for the evening.  It was her two brothers and her.  I always thought she was a cute little sweetheart.
Tara Nofziger
July 1, 2015
July 1, 2015
My dear friend, Julie Heiple Menna posted this on Facebook the day my mom died. It's so beautiful, I want to include it here...

"I have a diary entry dated Feb 14 1984 noting that "Tara's mom Sue Ann Nofziger made personalized heart shaped cookies for the entire 2nd grade class". For the next 31 years, I would find many other things Sue Ann did to be spectacular. She made the best no bake cookies, indulged Tara and I on school night sleepovers in 5th and 6th grade, always had frozen slices of Sara Lee Apple pie in the freezer, would come to East Lansing and take Tara and I out for dinner countless times in college, listened to all of our boy stories. What always amazed me most was the relationship her and Tara had. It is a Gilmore Girls relationship in real life. It is their bond that I have tried and will continue to try and emulate with my daughter. Over the past almost decade, Tara has cared for her mom through her fight with cancer. Tara was her mom's champion with insurance companies and doctors, financial planners and specialists. This afternoon, we had to say goodbye to this fabulous woman. I am so grateful that I had the privilege to know her for most of my life and that her daughter is like a sister to me. Love you Tara Nofziger, you did and will always make your mom so proud."
Kathy Buscaglia
June 28, 2015
June 28, 2015
Tara
It feels like I've known your mom as long as I've known you - and I guess one way or another - that is true. I remember where I was when you first learned your mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I sat next to you in 2-1E and you stood up in shock after the phone call. I remember talking with you about it right then. Must have been in 2000 or 2001. Shortly after we got a bunch of people to do the Y-Me Race downtown - Baxter was one of the sponsors (I still have the t-shirt). Your mom came down from Michigan and walked with us. I know I have a photo of our group - but cannot find it anywhere!

Since then, I feel lucky to have gotten to know your mom a little bit over the years. I'm grateful that you and I could share our journeys of caring for our parents. I'm also very grateful for the way your mom mothered you - so that you could just be you. She encouraged what she saw in you and you embraced it. That has had a trickle affect on me and I'm more centered because of it.

The standout memory with your mom for me is, of course, making Beef Bourguignon and watching Julie and Julia or some other movie. We started this annual tradition on thanksgiving weekend, although it morphed to December some years. That first year we followed Julia Child's recipe to a T (except for the bacon fat) and your mom spent a lot of time trimming pearl onions - and maybe cursing a little in the process...

I can remember her in some big moments for me... at the first Easter gathering I hosted at my townhouse, at my wedding, guarding the sliding doors so that no one would enter while we were having some family prayer time. I do have a picture of her by the door and hopefully you will find it (assuming I figured out how to upload it). She was willing to donate many of her things to raise money for the adoption of my niece (who will hopefully be home this summer). This past year, I'm especially grateful that she met and spent a little time with each of my kids. They are short on grandparents, and I appreciate that your mom was willing to engage with them.

My whole family, literally (Marie, Pam, Harold, Grant, Damian, Ruben, Nevaeh, Rainer, Opa) expresses their condolences to you. Much love to you sister-friend! I hope we can continue to lean on each other as we learn about being mid-life orphans.
XO - KB
Leigh Slovitt
June 19, 2015
June 19, 2015
Tara,
While I never actually met your mother, I feel like I got to know all about her through you. I always admired how much you did for her and it was so evident through your words that you cared for her unconditionally. She is lucky to have had such a loving daughter in her life, which I know what a huge part of why and how she was able to put up such a strong-willed fight to cancer.
Thinking of you!
Leigh
connie cramer
June 15, 2015
June 15, 2015
Tara, our family loved visiting the Ray family in Pettisville, Ohio. We cousins would go walking "downtown" to get ice cream or pop cycles at the grocery. I always loved Sue Ann's hearty laugh. We roller skated over the side walks, which, of course, we didn't have on our farm. I also remember playing on the school playground equipment with Sue Ann and her brothers. We had such fun!! I certainly do miss her. And I thank you, Tara, for your wonderful love and care for your Mom through the years, especially recently. You are a very special daughter.

Love, Connie Cramer
Steve Garrett
June 15, 2015
June 15, 2015
Tara,

I only met your mom a couple of times along the way, so I didn't really know her.  But I sure heard a lot about her from the amazing daughter she raised.  I know how close the two of you were, how many things you did together, and the fact that she was willing to leave the comfort of her Michigan home to move to Chicago to be nearer to her daughter. She raised a daughter who has become a sort of beacon of friendliness and positivity, combined with incredible intellect, who ventured out on her own to the big city of Chicago in 1997 as a college junior to take on a summer internship with a small consulting practice in the middle of this big urban jungle, and who has consistently made her own breaks and built an admirable career in organizational talent management with some very impressive organizations.  Those things don't happen by accident. So I know for sure that parenting was a major contribution that your mom made to our world. It sounds like she was brave till the end, from what you have said. So I wish you all loving memories you can muster for these months and years ahead. Thanks for including me in your journey. 

Steve Garrett, friend and fellow talent management consultant
Tara Nofziger
June 14, 2015
June 14, 2015
By Sue Nofziger — Jun 11, 2015 8:02am (Caring Bridge site)
Since I first met her, the memory I will always have is her welcoming smile, which was inviting and calming at the same time. I always treasured seeing the many projects she would work on from making miniature gingerbread houses to hang on a Christmas tree to turning a piece of barnyard "junk" into a beautiful wall hanging. She could make the most delicious and pretty sugar cookies for Christmas I have ever seen or eaten to this day! And she always had interesting ideas to discuss and elaborate on. I enjoyed our talks and discussions. Though from time to time there was a bit of confusion with our first and last names being the same, that just led to some funny stories! I know these last years were incredibly tough, but somehow she endured more than most people ever could and enjoyed her life till the end. I admire the relationship you and she had immensely, and you are to be totally commended for your endless devotion and love and care for her always. She could not help but feel and appreciate that. She will be missed but she's your mom forever!! God bless!
heart
vera sheets
June 12, 2015
June 12, 2015
Dear Tara,
It was always the best day when daddy would say"get ready we are going to Pettisville." Another great day was waiting with my cousins and Connie, Lois, and Ray at the end of Grandma Hannewalds lane for the Ray family to arrive for the weekend!! Your mother had the sweetest smile and kindest laugh!! You and your beautiful mother were an amazing team!! Sue Ann always had delicious baked items ready when we stopped by on our way to Higgins Lake, Michigan. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of your mother!! We have such fond memories and such fun together!! Love and hugs!! Vera
John Estrada
June 10, 2015
June 10, 2015
Dear Tara

My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother.
I found your loving and caring of her since I've know you to be that of a wonderful daughter. Your mother was a very kind and gentle person, although I only had the pleasure of meeting her a couple times, the bond between you two was incredible.
You will always have fond memories of a wonderful mother. The photos and her story is very sweet.

Sincerely-

John
Barb Morris
June 10, 2015
June 10, 2015
Dear Tara,
I had not heard so thank you for letting me know your beautiful mother has 'gone missing'. Though I never met her, she was an inspiration to me. You might assume my admiration comes from her valiant battle with cancer over the years, and certainly that deserves much admiration. But for me, it is so much more than that. She inspires me as a mother. You are an amazing person and I smile when I think about some of the stories you have shared with me over the years and how your eyes would light up as you shared memories and experiences with your mom. You have the most amazing relationship and that is a beautiful testament to her. I love the idea that a tree will be planted in her home town, and her ashes will be spread in two important places from her life, and while she has gone missing physically, she will always be found in you. I will keep you close in my thoughts and hope to see you soon to share a hug. 

My deepest sympathies,
Barb

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Recent Tributes
Marge Ryznar
June 3, 2022
June 3, 2022
Tara,
I am so glad that you decided to do this page when your mom passed away. I know it is hard with each year that those special dates pass, but I hope coming back to this somehow lessens the pain. I have gone back and read some of the posts and everyone of them share the same sentiment. She was an amazing woman who raised an amazing daughter. I am thankful I get these reminders because it brings back so many happy memories of so long ago that get tucked away and I don't want to forget. You were blessed to have each other and she is watching over you and smiling seeing all that you have accomplished and continue to do in your life. God bless....Margie Ryznar
John Estrada
May 17, 2020
May 17, 2020
Such a nice memory of your mother.
We will continue to honor our mothers' memories. And know that those pangs of longing never get any better, only different.
Virtual hug to such a wonderful daughter of an outstanding mother.

Sincerely-
John
Alan Lopez
May 17, 2020
May 17, 2020
Thinking of Sue Ann on her birthday, and feeling lucky to be remembering her together with her amazing daughter, Tara.
View all 23 tributes
Gallery
Sue Ann's brother in law, Jim Haskell, as he helps to bury half of her ashes in a BiosUrn on his property in the woods of Northern Michigan. Sue Ann loved walking in these woods. Someday, hopefully, this BiosUrn, which includes a seed, will grow into a pi
Sue Ann KB Wedding
Christmas 2014
Visit from Connie and Jerry Cramer in November 2014
Photos taken in early 2015 by Tara's friend, Ginger Diaz
Bugs Bunny birthday cake
Smurfette
Individual Care Bear birthday cakes for Tara's party guests
Smurf birthday cake
View all 74 items
Recent stories

Rennie Lake and more...

June 29, 2015
by Phil Nofziger

Sue Ann was a very kind, caring, and talented individual.  She had a wonderful knack for decorating, evidenced by her attention to the tiniest details on her cakes and gingerbread houses, and she wowed everyone with her many projects.  One of my fondest memories with Sue Ann was vacationing at Rennie Lake in the summer of '82.  It was just the girls - the guys were joining us later in the week.  I had just found out I was pregnant with Sara.  Sue Ann pampered me all week -  preparing healthy meals to satisfy my cravings and ease my morning sickness.  We spent many hours relaxing, chatting, laughing, and enjoying lake fun with you (Tara) and the Haskell family!  Wonderful memories!

Robin 

Tara,
We are so sorry for the loss of your mother.  Sue Ann was a very special lady.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Phil, Robin, Sara, David, and family, Mark, Adelle, and family, and Alex





 

Moms Say the Funniest Things

June 10, 2015
by Tara Nofziger

One of the things I loved about Mom was her ability to speak first and think second. This lead to many laughs over the years. In her later years, some of this was also due to dementia, but she and I were still somehow able to see the humor in it. Over the years, I started posting some of these "classic conversations" with Mom on Facebook and I'm so glad I did, because now I'm able to go back and laugh all over again. Here are a few highlights...

Typical conversation with my mother...
Mom: (makes a statement)
Me: I agree
Mom: You agree with what?
Me: With what you just said.
Mom: What did I say?
Me: sigh...

Another classic...
Nurse: Are you depressed?
Mom: Probably, but I don't really remember.

Trying to teach Mom how to send emails on her new Kindle Fire. She just sent me an email...
SUBJECT:  Hells bells
MESSAGE: This is not easy - yikes!


Mom: I think the worst thing would be dating someone who ate sushi and then wanted to kiss you.
Me: Okay...
Mom: Get away from me with your dead fish mouth, find a bottle of Listerine and come see me in an hour!


A quiet moment at the 2014 Xmas dinner table with Mom...
Me: You look like you're deep in some serious thought.
Mom: Well...I was thinking about Cuba.


While I was helping Mom up from the couch...
Mom: I can see right down your shirt.
Me: Well...you're welcome!
Mom: It wasn't that great!

Love Jar

June 10, 2015
by Tara Nofziger

In 2006, my Xmas gift to Mom was a "Love Jar". The jar included 52 individual strips of paper with things for which I was grateful to Mom. The instruction was to read one of these papers each week over the course of the next year.

As I was going through some of Mom's things to post on this site, I came across the strips of paper, which she had carefully folded, wrapped with rubber bands and saved in a box.

Here are a few highlights that give a good indication of who she was as a mother:

I'm grateful that you let me play with the pots and pans and make huge messes as a baby!

I'm grateful for the birthday party when you filled the living room with balloons 3 feet deep...even though I can't remember it. It must have been awesome!

I'm grateful that you just laughed when other parents would have yelled... like when I ran down the street naked as a toddler or broke into the neighbor's house to play with her make-up.

I'm grateful for all of the "deep" and "philosophical" conversations we had when I was growing up.

I'm grateful for all of our late night, giggle-fest slumber parties.

I'm grateful for all of the times you spoke first and thought second...and for all of the laughter it provided us throughout the years.

I'm grateful that you taught me to "rock the boat"!

I'm grateful you taught me to believe that I could become anything I wanted to be.

Thank you, Mom!! I will always cherish these memories!

View all 6 stories

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