Wanda Catherine Suterko

Our dear mother and grandmother, Wanda Catherine Suterko, passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. She was born October 19th, 1921 in Chicago, one of nine children born to Frank and Agata Barabas. Wanda was a first sergeant in the Women's Army Corp during WWII. Following her service, in 1948 she wed her beloved husband Stan; he preceded her in death in 2008. Wanda and Stan raised their three girls in Portage, Michigan where Stan helped to establish the Blind Rehabilitation Department at Western Michigan University. They traveled with his teaching career throughout North America and Europe. Wanda made long-lasting friendships as a member of the University Dames where she was an avid bridge player. Wanda and Stan were also charter members of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Portage Michigan. After Stan passed away, she relocated to Ann Arbor, Michigan to live by her daughter Cathy. Her days were brightened by a special friend, Chester Grala who shared her Polish heritage and interest in watching the Detroit Tigers and the Red Wings. She is survived by her sister Lorraine Pasowicz, three daughters and sons-in-law: Sandra(Gordon)of Williamston, MI, Diane (Richard) Konwinski of Byron Center, MI, Catherine Sigler of Ann Arbor, MI; seven grandchildren: Justin (Debbie) Plourde, Scott (Ashley) Plourde, Nicole(Chad) Elliott, Ryan (Leah) Konwinski, Kyle (Holly) Konwinski, Lauren (James) Busch and John Sigler; she has thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband Stanley Suterko, she was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers: Joan (Jack) Susarrey, Ann (Ed Konkol, Joe Walsh) Walsh, Esther (Eddie) Podraza, Virginia (Wally) Podraza, Joseph (Kitty) Barabas, Chester (Marion) Barabas and Ted Barabas. A private funeral is planned for immediate family only. A burial with full military honors will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. She will be laid to rest next to her husband. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the local organization that provides food assistance to those in need: Food Gatherers, One Carrot Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.