Sue Ann Jabin, age 83, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Sue is survived by her sister Beatrice (Pat) and brother, Ralph (Lorraine) Price, as well as five children, Jeanne (Salvador) Patino, Beth, Chris (Thayer), Tim (Kay), and Peter. Her grandchildren Salvador, Christian, Nicholas, Emil, Taylor, Connor, Rebekah, Vanya, Tyrone, Reese, Nick, Maria and great-granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth, were the light of her life. Born in Niagara Falls, New York on October 25, 1934, to James Roderick and Louise Cecelia (Long) Price, Sue’s happiest childhood memories were of countless hours spent with her grandfather walking through his magnificent garden memorizing proper botanical names in order to earn extra treats for dessert. Sue graduated from Rosary Hill College, earned a Master’s degree in art, and taught art in the Buffalo, New York and Detroit Public schools. In 1957, Sue married Norm Jabin, and by 1962, they settled their young family in Grand Rapids. In addition to family, Sue devoted herself to civic life and advancement of the arts, including the GR Civic Theater, Symphony, and Art Museum. She was a Master Gardener, provided years of leadership to the Kent Garden Club, and was one of the initial visionaries for the Frederick Meijer Gardens. After raising her children, Sue founded The Gardening Angel, a true expression of her spirit. For nearly 30 years, she used this vehicle as a ministry, nurturing both gardens and gardeners. Sue considered herself a steward of God’s resources and leaves behind a living legacy of natural beauty and lives touched. In affirmation of her deep and ever-growing faith, Sue served as an Associate within the Dominican Community at Marywood. Late in life, she found great joy in her relationship with Chet Maternowski. Sue lived with style, grace, intention, and faith. Without doubt, she left the world a more beautiful place in every sense of the word. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Dominican Center at Marywood Chapel, 2025 Fulton St., Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503. Memorial gifts may be sent in Sue’s name to Frederick Meijer Gardens Foundation Perennial Society or Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.
2 Responses
Thank you, Sue, for bringing so much joy and delight into our lives–from providing a grand dinner for 8 experience, to a lovely tour of your gardens, to the remarkable landscaping all around and in Marywood. You are a special treasure, and I love you. Thank you.
We have deeply appreciated having a meal with Sue and learning so much more from her regarding her care for flowers at Marywood. Her touch brought daily joy to all We are grateful!