Susan Michele Welbourne

Susan Michele (Moyer) Welbourne of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024, at the age of 79. Susan was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on January 30, 1945, to the late John and Dorothy (Mazursky) Moyer. In 1970, Susan married Patrick Welbourne. The two had been married for fifty-four years.

Susan graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority, and later the Indiana University Alumni Association. After graduating from college, her desire for travel led her to United Airlines as a stewardess. After one year, she moved to Kalamazoo to begin her teaching career with Comstock Public Schools. She also started her master’s studies at Western Michigan University, where she would meet Patrick, who was also a student at the time. While teaching and completing their studies, they were married, and the two would enjoy the next fifty-four years together as an inseparable force. During those fifty-four years, Susan taught in the Comstock Public School System, teaching many elementary grades, but mostly 2nd and 3rd grade, at Green Meadow Elementary. After 42 years as a teacher, she retired in 2006. 

Susan and Patrick’s teaching careers fulfilled their passion as educators and became friends with colleagues for many years, even after retirement. Their St. Patrick’s Day parties were famous and memorable celebrations for all who attended. 

Susan played an active role in the Alpha Delta Kappa educational sorority. Susan’s dedication and excellence in teaching was recognized and she was nominated and awarded in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” 1996 and 1998.

Susan was an active member of the Jewish community in Kalamazoo and Detroit. The Congregation of Moses in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Susan’s dedication to education and Judaism led her to many roles within the community and in Michigan. She was president of the synagogue from 1991-1994, Principal of the Hebrew School from 1995-1997, and a teacher at the Hebrew School from 1989-1996.

Susan loved spending time in her gardens (often seen in her bathing suit) and traveling with her husband, children, and her grandchildren, Ethan and Whitney. One of her most favorite memories was a family trip to Walt Disney World in 2010 as a celebration of her retirement. Ultimately, her favorite pastime was to be surrounded by her family while enjoying a good corned beef sandwich at one of the famous Delis in Detroit.

Susan is survived by her beloved husband, Patrick; children, Michele Welbourne (Fabrizio) Galbiati and Neal (Carlee) Welbourne; grandchildren, Ethan Welbourne, Whitney Welbourne; sister, Sandra Harlacher (Gary).

Susan was preceded in death by her parents.

For the Detroit area friends and family, please join us to honor our amazing mother at the home of Neal and Carlee Welbourne, 3720 Lincoln Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, for a Shiva service on Tuesday, July 9, at 7:00 pm.

On Thursday, July 11, a Memorial Service will be held at noon at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, followed by a Shiva service from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s honor to The Jewish National Fund - Trees for Israel. To leave an online condolence, please visit https://www.langelands.com.