In Memory
Susan Colleen Ivanof
December 24, 1962 ~ May 01, 2026 (age 63)
Susan Ivanof, a loving sister, devoted friend, and mother, known to everyone as Sue, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 01, 2026, at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, Indiana, after a long health journey, including lupus and most recently congestive heart failure, which she endured with remarkable courage, strength, and grace. She was 63.
Born December 24, 1962, in Rockville Centre, New York, she was the daughter of Boris George Ivanof and Joan Rita Ivanof (formerly Widawski). Her family later moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she was raised. She graduated from Clay High School in 1981 and later completed her Associate Degree from Indiana University South Bend.
Susan began her career with Bendix Corporation through a co-op program and remained with the company as it transitioned into Honeywell Aerospace. She worked in multiple departments, including Hydro Mechanical Fuel Control (Department 861) and Ground Support Equipment (Department 876), and retired in 2020 as a Customer Support Site Coordinator. She was known for her knowledge, attention to detail, and respected leadership, and was admired by colleagues for her professionalism and willingness to help others succeed.
Susan enjoyed Bingo, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, reading, and dancing. Her faith in the Lord was a steady source of strength and comfort throughout her life.
She shared a special and unbreakable bond with her dear friend Karen Srmek, who was like a sister to her. She was also blessed with close friendships with Carol Strang and Brenda Eubank. Susan cherished her many friends and extended family, all of whom brought joy and meaning to her life.
She is survived by her son, Kyle Christopher Stahl of South Bend, Indiana; her sisters, Sonja Maria Ivanof of Wyoming, Minnesota, and Noreen Rose Buczek (Michael Joseph Buczek) of South Bend, Indiana; and her nephew, Tyler Anthony Lynch of Minnesota.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Center for Hospice Care for their compassion, dignity, and exceptional care, which brought comfort and peace throughout Susan’s journey.
Mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame with burial immediately following at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame. A visitation will be held for family and friends, Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s memory to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or the ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929, Washington DC 20090-6929. Online condolences may be offered at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is honored to assist the family at this time.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
Tuesday
May 19, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Palmer Funeral Home - Guisinger Chapel
3718 S. Michigan St.
South Bend, IN 46614
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday
May 20, 2026, 9:30 AM
Basilica of the Sacred Heart
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Burial Immediately Following
Wednesday
May 20, 2026
Cedar Grove Cemetery, Notre Dame
Donations
Center for Hospice/Hospice Foundation
501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka IN 46545
Tel: 1-574-243-3100
Web: https://cfhcare.org
ASPCA
P.O. Box 96929, Washington DC 20090-6929
Tel: 1-888-666-2279
Added 05/08/2026 1400 GMS
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