Longtime Wayland elementary teacher Suzanne M. (Herb, Bedford) Hendrixson died Thursday, Nov. 27. She was 90 years old.
Born on Sept. 8, 1935, to Helen I. (Kelly) and Lester E. Herb, Suzanne lived a life marked by devotion—to her family, her faith, her students, and the simple joys that brought her happiness.
A proud and dedicated educator, Suzanne earned her master’s degree in teaching from Western Michigan University. She spent many years shaping young minds at Wayland Union Schools and St. Therese Catholic School, where her warmth, patience, and commitment to her students left a lasting impact on countless families.
Outside her professional life, Suzanne embraced every opportunity for adventure and togetherness. She loved sailing on open water, skiing through Michigan winters, and camping at the beach with those she loved most.
Suzanne is survived by her children William (Christine) Bedford and Cathleen (Gary) VerHage; son-in-law, Tom Kaminski; grandchildren Michael Bedford, Jacob Bedford, Allison Bedford, Christopher (Renee) Chrusciel, Alicia (Joseph) Keinath, and Matthew (Laura) Kaminski; and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Hendrixson; daughter, Julie (Bedford) Kaminski; brother, William Herb; and sister-in-law, Joyce (Wright) Herb.
Family and friends are invited to gather in her memory from 4–7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St., Wayland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at St. Therese Church 128 Cedar St., Wayland, with an hour of visitation preceding the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to Interim HealthCare Hospice in Suzanne’s memory.
