Suzanne H. Raymond

Suzanne “Sue” Harriett Raymond lived a life deeply rooted in faith, service, and an unwavering love for God. The daughter of Farrand and Wanda Ryan Raymond, Sue felt called to the Catholic Church as a teenager, a calling that would shape the course of her life and lead her to dedicate many years to religious life as Sister May Colette of Jesus.

Answering God's call at a young age, Sue entered the convent and embraced a life of prayer, devotion, and service. Her ministry as a Sister took her across the United States, where she touched countless lives through her compassion and commitment to serving others. Among her many works, she devoted herself to supporting expectant mothers facing the difficult decision of abortion, offering hope, encouragement, and practical resources to help them choose life and welcome their children into the world.

Her years of service also brought her to St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota, where she served within the Native American community. Whether near or far from home, Sue approached her work with a servant's heart, guided by her deep belief in the dignity and worth of every person.

Eventually, Sue returned to her hometown of Sand Lake, Michigan, where she found comfort and happiness in the simple pleasures of life and familiar surroundings. Although she retired from religious life as a Sister, she never retired from her devotion to God. Her faith remained the foundation of her daily life. She continued her daily prayers, was an avid reader, and remained a lifelong student of her faith, always seeking to grow closer to God.

One of the greatest tests of Sue's faith came through her own cancer journey. Facing the uncertainty and challenges of cancer, she continued to meet each day with a steadfast belief in God's presence and plan. No matter what circumstances she faced, she returned to the words that became her personal mantra: “God Has It!”

These three simple words represented so much more than a saying. They were a declaration of trust, surrender, hope, and faith. Sue believed that whatever life brought, God was present and in control. Her conviction became so meaningful to her that she wrote a book titled God Has It!, sharing this message of faith and encouragement with others.

Her book carried a message for everyone, regardless of where they were in life's journey:

“For all who has, has had, or never had Cancer...God Has It!”

Through her words and the example of her own life, Sue reminded others that faith does not mean life will be without hardship, but that we never have to face those hardships alone. Even through her cancer journey, she continued to trust, pray, and encourage others to do the same. Her message was simple, yet powerful: surrender your worries to God, trust in His love, and remember that He has it.

An unexpected and meaningful chapter of Sue's life began when her niece, Jodie Mellem, reached out to reconnect. Bonded through their shared cancer journeys, the two developed a special relationship that opened the door to something Sue had not realized was possible: a deeper sense of love, belonging, and connection with the Raymond family. It was a gift that enriched her life and brought a beautiful new dimension to her later years. Through a difficult shared experience, a beautiful family bond was formed.

Sue valued her peace, independence, and personal company, keeping a small, close-knit circle of friends. She appreciated the quiet moments and was never one to need a crowd. Those fortunate enough to be part of her life will remember her quiet presence, unique point of view, independent spirit, and the comfort of knowing she was faithfully keeping them in her daily prayers.

Sue was a faithful member of St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Cedar Springs and Mary Queen of Apostles Parish in Sand Lake. Her parish communities and spiritual life remained especially important to her. She held a particular fondness for her resident priest, Father Lam Le, whose presence and ministry brought her great joy.

Sue leaves behind her beloved family and close friends, who will forever cherish her quiet presence, unique point of view, independent spirit, and the comfort of knowing she was faithfully keeping them in her daily prayers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Farrand and Wanda Raymond; multiple beloved family members; and her cherished feline companion, Mr. Whiskers.

Sue's life was a testament to the beauty of answering God's call. From a young teenager discovering her vocation, to a Sister serving communities across the country, to a faithful woman who found peace and renewed family connections back home in Sand Lake, she remained steadfast in her love for Christ.

Her legacy lives on in the mothers she encouraged, the children whose lives she helped protect, the communities she served, the family she came to cherish, and the friends who were blessed to share in her life.

May she now rest in the loving arms of the Lord she served so faithfully throughout her life.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sue's life and honor her memory at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, 3110 17 Mile Road NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. The family will be accepting guests Thursday, November 12 at 10:00 for the visitation, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, officiated by Father Lam Le. Interment in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are being entrusted to K.E. Pike Funeral Home of Cedar Springs, Michigan.

May Sue find eternal peace in the presence of the Lord, reunited with those who have gone before her, and embraced by the God she loved and served so faithfully.