Sue (Leach) Wilson

Sue Leach Wilson, beloved matriarch of the family, passed away suddenly on October 16,2023,in Ann Arbor, MI at the age of 96. Sue was an active resident of Glacier Hills in Ann Arbor where she helped staff the library, played Mah-Jongg,and made sure she got in her 10,000 steps a day. She had maintained a lifetime interest in her children's and grandchildren 's lives and events, state and national politics, international news, new authors and their books, and was always prepared to discuss any and all at length and with great insight. Born June 10, 1927, in Bedford, Ohio, to Eva (Miltz) and Roy Luman Leach, Sue was a lifelong educator and progressive advocate who cared deeply about her family, education, and her students. A voracious reader, she instilled a love of books in her children from an early age and worked tirelessly to communicate the joy of reading and learning to her students. She graduated at 16 from Bedford High School and attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio where she met the love of her life and husband of 68 years, Robert Lee (Bob) Wilson ll. Sue began her education career in Antioch Co-op program teaching at a preschool in Hell's Kitchen, New York. Her first airline flight to that assignment led to a lifelong attachment to and appreciation of rail travel. . After several years working as a surveyor,based in Detroit, MI, in 1953 Bob was employed by American Box Board in Manistee, Mi where they raised their children through elementary school. Bob and Sue established many friendships while living in Manistee that were sustained throughout their lives. Sue was active in the Parent Teacher Association and the First Congregational Church and supported the kids as Cub Scout den mother and Brownie Scout leader. When Bob began his manufacturer's representation firm in 1963, the family moved to Kalamazoo, MI and Sue began teaching in various Kalamazoo elementary schools. While teaching, she studied at Western Michigan University, graduating with a Master of Library Science. She worked as a middle school librarian at South Junior High for many years. Later, she joined the Kalamazoo Public Library as Head of the Audio-Visual Department where she also enrolled in the library science doctoral program at the University of Michigan. Upon retirement from the public library, Sue and Bob returned to Manistee as founding members of the FVS association, renewed old friendships, and established many new ones. Seeking to stay active, Sue became President of the Manistee Library Board and in her spare time obtained a Master Gardener Certification. At 92, she retired for the last time as Coordinator of Project Read, the Adult Literacy Program for the United Way in Manistee and Benzie Counties, MI. Sue was a 61 year member of P.E.O., a Country -wide philanthropic educational organization, promoting and mentoring women in education, leadership, and personal growth. The organization was a common thread throughout her life as she was a charter member of Chapter DA in Manistee, and later an active member of Chapters CN and FJ. She had a great deal of love and respect for those sisters who were very much a part of her life. She was predeceased by her husband Bob, her parents, stepmother Margaret Leach, brothers Don Vance Leach of Englewood FL, Roy Wayne Leach of Newbury, OH,Lois Miltz Wardley of Bedford, OH,and Ellen Perkins of Aurora, CO. Sue is survived by her son Rob and daughter-in-law Betsy and their children, Scott Wilson and Kate Ryan and husband Andy; son Scott and daughter-in-law Jan, and their children, Caroline Wilson and Lauren Casey and husband Drew, and great granddaughter Eloise; and Martha Stacey and husband Richard. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Glacier Hills for their care and friendship over the last few years. A memorial service is planned at the First Congregational Church U.C.C. in Manistee MI on a date and time to be announced later. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests, with gratitude, that the memorial contributions be made to the Sue L. Wilson Literacy Fund online at www.manisteefoundation.org or by sending a check payable to the Manistee County Community Foundation with Sue L. Wilson Fund in the memo to MCCF, 400 River Street, Ste.50, Manistee,MI 49660. Questions may be directed to info@manisteefoundation.org or (231) 723-7269.