MITAKUYE OYASIN

Susan Faye Van Zile, 70 years old, made her way home on Friday, November 14, 2025. Susan passed peacefully at home.

Susan was named after her Great-Great Grandmother, Susan Duck. Susan's spirit name is Giizhigaate, "There is Moonlight".

Susan was born in Wolf Point, Montana on June 28, 1955 to Joyce Beauchman (Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribe) and Fred McGeshick, Sr. (Sokaogon Chippewa, Mole Lake Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe).

Susan was married to Jonathon McGeshick (Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe). She resided in Watersmeet, MI with her husband for almost 40 years.

Susan attended Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, graduating as the Valedictorian, in 1973. She also attended Bay Mills Community College, studying Ojibwe Language.

Susan was preceded in death by her first husband, Ken Van Zile, with whom she had her children.

At the time of her passing, she was working with the Tribal Elders of the Lac Vieux Desert Tribe, as the Tribal Elders Program Assistant. She worked with the Elders for many years.

Susan is survived by her husband, Jonathon McGeshick; her children: Eldest Melissa, Aaron, Jonathon and Marisa; her grandchildren: Jaden, Julian, Jordan, Tyger, Creighton, Mona, Aidano and Rayanne; her Sisters and Brothers: Florence Garcia, Lucy McGeshick, James McGeshick, Joseph McGeshick and Fred McGeshick, Jr.; her  Nieces and Nephews: Keila, Tom, McKenzie, Cole, Caleb, Cameron, Clay, Beatrice, Bobbi Jo, Robert Roy, Diego, Kalee and all of their children.

Susan was preceded in death by her Grandparents, Ernest and Lucille Day-Beauchman; Parents: Joyce and Fred; Sisters: Marilyn and Patty; Brother: Richard; Niece: Elizabeth; Nephew: Edwin "Chubs"; Aunts and Uncles: Florence, Darlene, Roberta, Mary, Patrick, Edwin, Raymond, Albert, Myra, Charlene, Brenda and Pete.

Susan also helped raise many children in the community throughout the latter portion of her life. She was everyone's Gramma.

Susan had so many friends. She was a friend to everyone. The friends, friendships, she gathered throughout her life are countless, innumerable. It would be impossible to endeavor to name them all. All of these friends she loved dearly. Susan spent her life in service to others, especially to those in need, to those who had no voice, to those who went without. It was with her selfless deeds that she embodied the grandfather teachings we aspire to live by.

She sacrificed much in order to better the lives of others. She led by example. She was a woman of action, an OGITCHIDAAKWE. That she will be missed by so many, near and far, is testament to how influential she was, to all of the lives she touched with the light and breathe of life that the Creator bestowed upon her.

My Mom was a great woman. We will never see someone like her again. She was a blessing, a gift from the Creator to us all.

Let us remember always, there is moonlight.

Melissa

A memorial gathering of family and friends will be at 1:00pm Central time (2:00pm Eastern time) on Sunday, November 23rd, at Cane Funeral Home-Bruce Crossing Chapel, 13812 US Hwy 45, Bruce Crossing, MI.

Those who wish may order flowers from Sunshine Floral of L'Anse at (906) 524-7757.

Cane Funeral Home of Bruce Crossing is assisting the family with arrangements.

You can view Susan's obituary on our Facebook page at Cane Funeral Home also.