Loibl, Suzanne O. (O'Connor), age 70, of Farmington Hills, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2018.

Suzanne was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Lawrence R. and Elaine (Schonveld) O'Connor.  She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Detroit where she was a member of the National Honors Society and the Theta Phi Alpha Sorority.  She married Joseph M. Loibl in Detroit on August 7, 1970 and together they have lived in the Farmington Hills area for over 40 years where they raised their three sons.

Mrs. Loibl is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Joseph.  Dear sons; Joseph and Gary (Tiffany), both of Farmington Hills.  Grandchildren; Bri'Ana, Justin, Landen and Danielle.

Sister; Nancy (Jerry) O'Connor-Dickey of Water Valley, MS.  Brother; James (Nancy) O'Connor of Ramona, CA. Brother-in-law; Richard (Carol) Loibl of Atlanta, Georgia.   Nieces and nephews survive.

Mrs. Loibl was preceded in death by her son; Michael Loibl.  Brothers; Michael & Johnny O'Connor.

Joe and Susie were married for 47 years and raised three beautiful boys.  As a team they nourished them, but Joe gives all the credit to Suzie.

Suzie was a woman who was an inspiration to everyone that had the privilege to know her.  God presented Suzie with many challenges in life, but she always mobilized the resources to conquer any obstacles. Suzie instilled her courageous fighting spirit in her children, and due to her heroic efforts, they were able to attain many accomplishments no one ever thought possible, except Suzie.

Some of the most significant achievements attributed to Suzie‘s efforts are: Joey graduating from high school; Mike worked a full-time job; and Gary established a successful business. Without Suzie’s faith and commitment, these achievements would not have been possible.

Joey, the oldest child, was born with a cleft lip and palate.  As a result, while most mothers were enjoying their new born children, Suzie was sitting in the hospital, hours on end, while Joey was undergoing multiple surgeries for his cleft lip and palate. It was almost a month before Joey could be taken home.  Eventually he required 4 surgeries to correct this problem.  Joey was also developmentally disabled.  At the age of one, a neurologist, said that Joey’s disability would prevent him from ever walking, talking or developing any cognitive skills.  As noted earlier, through Suzie’s effort and Joey’s determination, he graduated from high school and is an avid reader.  He currently attends a sheltered work shop in Novi and is proud of his success.

Mike had a similar path to success.  He was born with a form of spina bifida called myelomeningocele., a deformation of the spinal column which result in paralysis from the waist down.  As a result, an operation is required to cover over the opening in the spine to prevent infection.  Without the surgery, death is a major risk.  As a result of this surgery; he developed hydrocephalus, a condition which will cause death if untreated.  Therefore, he needed another surgery to insert a shunt to carry the fluid in the brain to the stomach.  Mike was in the hospital for more than a month before he was able to be released to go home.  Ultimately, this device required multiple revisions during his life.  Suzie was always at his side.  Throughout his life he was presented with multiple obstacles, which he was able to overcome with the dedicated support of his loving mother, Suzie.   Michael was in special education from a very early age because of his physical disability.  When they moved to Tulsa a new challenge presented itself as they were informed that in Tulsa, student in wheel chairs did not go to the local school.  They went to a school for “those Kind” of children.  Ultimately, Mike was the first student to attend regular education classes, another challenge successfully overcome.  In addition, Mike walked with a full body brace and crutches until he was 14.  Doctors indicated that until that time, no one had walked with his condition past the age of 8.

Suzie. Also supported athletic and extra-curricular activities.  At Farmington Harrison High School, Mike was the student manager for basketball, track and cross country.  Suzie supported Mike aspirations by providing transportation and assisting in each sport as a parent assistant coach.  She also supported his participation in T-ball and wheel chair basketball.

Gary also overcame numerous challenges with his effort and Suzie’s continuous support.  When he first came to benefit from Suzie’s tutelage, he was significantly behind academically.  He completed his high school degree on time.  He also faced numerous other challenges with Suzie’s continued support.  He now is the proud owner operator of his own business.      

Without Suzie’s faith and commitment, these achievements would not have been possible.  In each case the prognosis from physicians, medical staff and other professionals were pessimistic.  Suzie was instrumental in providing the wherewithal to achieve outstanding results. This required a great commitment of personal energy and sacrifice.  The children, cumulatively were in the hospital about 5 years.  She also learned to provide wound care and other medical procedures to reduce some of the hospitalizations.  She may have even had enough experience to earn a nursing degree. 

She also made time to enjoy other activities such as playing cards, bowling, reading, Bible study, participation in several groups and even a few attempts at tennis. Many of you may remember that Suzie was always a voracious reader.  Any time you saw her she would be carrying a book.  In the bedroom, she had one wall dedicated to book shelves that held over a 1,000 of her books, which was only a small portion of her materials.  She was an excellent card player and participated in several card groups for an extended time.   She also enjoyed local groups like gourmet, progressive dinner, bridge and euchre.

Among Suzie's favorite family vacations times were spending two weeks every summer at the cabin at Higgins Lake.  She began going there every year as a child and continued the tradition with her children and grandchildren.  She also loved going to Disney World.  The first family trip was in 1992.  They all loved Disney so much that they would go several times a year.  It became Mike's dream to work at Disney World, which he attained in 2008.  After that, the family made frequent trips to "visit Mike at work" and Suzie could be seen at her favorite part of the park; Epcot, listening to the British Revolution with her ever present frozen coke in her hand.

In Suzie's life, she frequently compromised her own health in favor of helping others.  She lovingly and supportively touched the lives of many relatives and friends.  On numerous occasions she opened up her home for others, who were having difficulties with some of life's challenges, housing them, feeding them and providing financial support.  It is without a doubt that many here today have been beneficiaries of her largess.  Without Suzie's assistance, they would probably would not have achieved the level of success they experienced.  Our beloved Suzie joined her son; Michael, in the glory of God and that they are both with us here today supporting us in our time of grief.  Suzie was the most beautiful and loving wife, mother and grandmother that anyone could desire.  Her goodness and kindness are renowned.  In honor of Suzie and her life of generosity, please perform an unsolicitated act of kindness and drink a frozen coke as a toast to our beloved Suzie.

Visitation Friday 2-8 PM, April 27, 2018, at the McCabe Funeral Home (31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan).  Funeral mass 10:30 AM Saturday at St. Fabian Catholic Church (32200 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI).  In-state at 10:00 AM until time of service.  Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to; Team Farmington Special Olympics, in memory of Mrs. Loibl