Susan Barnard

Susan Barnard, 73, of Charlevoix, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Perry Farm Village in Harbor Springs, MI. She was born on August 3, 1951, in Mt. Clemens, MI, the daughter of Dale and Donis (Staley) Anderson.

Sue graduated from high school in Mt. Clemens, and went on to earn a nursing degree through Providence Nursing School. She worked as an emergency room nurse for several years in Lansing before moving to Charlevoix in 1981. She and her husband Michael built Nanny’s Old Place Motel Restaurant & Lounge and ran it for 25 years. The business was her passion in life, and she loved every moment she was able to spend there. Over the years, she touched countless lives in the community through the employment opportunities she created. She always went above and beyond to help people in need as well, and was known to many as “Mother Theresa” for her generosity and caring nature. She never gave up on her nursing career either, and worked for many years in the emergency rooms in Charlevoix and the Florida Keys.

When she wasn’t working, Sue loved nothing more than to spend time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed boat days on Lake Charlevoix, skiing, playing pickleball, and remodeling & redesigning homes as well. She was also a long-time member of the Community Reformed Church in Charlevoix. Her vibrant personality drew people to her, and she made friends with just about anyone she met. She was happiest in the Florida Keys where the air was softer and there was never a shortage of friends, sunshine, or rum. Her warm spirit and quick-witted sarcasm will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Sue is survived by her daughter, Karlee Barnard of Charlevoix; her sister, Sharon Anderson of Manton; five grandchildren, Mikaya Dixon, Emma Philp, Davayah Philp, Chelsea Philp, and Lucas Philp; a great-granddaughter, Londyn Claycomb; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Lee Barnard; her son, Michael Kelsey Barnard; her sister, Shelly Paramo; and her parents.

Sue’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Perry Farm Village for the excellent care over the last two years, and to the nurses with McLaren Hospice for the comfort they provided in the past few months.

A memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 10th at the Charlevoix Community Reformed Church, 109 Elm St., Charlevoix, MI 49720. There will be a celebration of Sue’s life to follow at “Nanny’s”, The Backlot, Charlevoix, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Hospice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com