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Susan Forrester

September 5, 2021
Avon Park, IL

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Forrester, Susan K. 1/11/1949 - 9/5/2021 Avon Park, FL Susan K Forrester (age 72) passed away peacefully with her husband by her side on Sunday, September 5th, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Hospice in Sebring Florida. Predeceased by her parents, Donald W. Stocken and Betty E. Stocken (Webster) and her sister, Debra L. Frey. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, George S. Forrester, Sr. and her children, Tara S. Forrester (Ciara Sines) and George S. Forrester, II (Jocelyn), her brother, Donald G. Stocken (Sarah) and her grandsons, Hayven C. Baarson and George S. Forrester, III (Trey) as well as her nieces Courtney Woodruff (Andy) and Shauna Stocken and a nephew, Blayne Frey. Susan K Forrester ("Miss Sue" as her students called her) had a passion for dance that started early when she opened her first Studio at the age of 8, teaching other kids in the neighborhood to dance. She met her life-long love, George, the first week of High School. In High School, she was Dance Captain for the Battle Creek Central Band Follies and performed with the Battle Creek Central Choir (which traveled to Europe during her senior year). After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts Education (where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority), she and George married in June of 1971 and quickly moved to Quincy, IL while George finished Horology School. They lived in Battle Creek for a few years, jointly opening the "House of Clocks" and loved working together. When Tara (daughter) was born in 1977, they moved themselves and the business to Kalamazoo and when Steve (Son) came along in 1979, George took a job at Upjohn (now Pfizer) and they closed the clock shop. In 1981, she opened the Academy of Dance Arts in Portage, culminating her dream of owning a Dance School. She also continued her studies, earning her a coveted "Masters of Dance" certification and membership in the Dance Masters of Michigan. Generations of dancers passed through the doors of ADA taking with them lessons far more than just dancing. In 2006 (after 25 years in operation) they made the difficult decision to sell the studio and both she and George retired, spending half of their time in Michigan and the other half in Avon Park, FL at the Lake Bonnet Park. She and George quickly made friends at Lake Bonnet and even in retirement she was actively involved with the "Social Committee" at the Park. Sue loved to cook (mostly healthy things), read romance novels, make jewelry, do Sudoku & Crossword puzzles and boating. As everyone knew, every piece of clothing she owned had some "sparkle" on it, which matched her personality perfectly. She was happiest when spending time with her grandsons Hayven and Trey and will be remembered most for her smile, laugh and the immediate familiarity she had with everyone she met. A private graveside service will be held on Friday, October 8th at Memorial Park in Battle Creek, MI. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the summer of 2022. Anyone interesting in attending next summer may contact Tara at tsforrester77@gmail.com for more information.