Susan (VerPlank) Brown

BROWN, SUE Susan Laraine Brown, 54, passed away Monday, April 14, 2014. Sue (VerPlank) was born October 1, 1959. She grew up in Grand Haven, MI, graduated from Fruitport High School, and earned a B.A. in criminal justice from Arizona State University. Sue worked in the justice system for more than ten years before becoming a massage therapist and body worker. For 12 years, she was known to her loyal clientele as a gifted healer. She loved her work and felt honored to be able to improve the lives of her clients through her healing touch. Sue's natural artistic talent was evident in her love of singing, playing the piano and drumming. As one of the founders of the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus, her artistic vision helped shape the Chorus's innovative programming. An intuitive, self-taught hand drummer, she became the signature percussionist for the chorus, performing with the group in venues ranging from Grand Rapids to Chicago, Cincinnati, San Diego and Vancouver. Sue loved her partner Lori, her family, her many friends, her dog Hachi, and the lakeshore. Always full of life, she loved to laugh and to play. She was a master storyteller, known for her wit and humor and her ability to find humor in unlikely situations. She was deeply spiritual, often elevating a mundane conversation into a search for universal truth and the meaning of life. Sue's sweet smile and gentle spirit will be missed by many people whose lives she touched. She is survived by her partner of 18 years, Lori Carol Tennenhouse, and Lori's daughter, Sarah Tennenhouse; mother, Laraine VerPlank of Grand Haven; brothers, Dewey VerPlank, Thomas (Shirley) VerPlank; and nephews, Thomas, Jr. (Anne) VerPlank, John (Gretchen) VerPlank, David (Heather) VerPlank, Joseph VerPlank, and Bobby VerPlank. A memorial service will be held at 10 AM Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Fountain Street Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus, www.grwc.org. Memorial Alternatives 2432 Fuller NE 363.3700 www.memorialalternatives.com