Susan A. Grosche

Susan Ann Close Grosche of Matteson passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of November 12, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles. She was born in Iowa City in 1930 to Chalmer and Edith Close, but her childhood was spent in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. She met her future husband Charles Grosche at the University of Illinois where she was studying occupational therapy. They married before she graduated, then lived in North Carolina and Minnesota while Charles pursued his graduate education, before settling in the Chicago area.

Being an only child, she decided she would have a large family and devoted her early married years to raising three daughters –Victoria, Stephanie and Sally, and three sons – William, Thomas and Timothy. She returned to school and earned a degree in nursing from Prairie State College and subsequently worked for several years at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights as a neo-natal nurse. She and Charles were subsequently delighted to add a fourth son John to their family. In addition to her seven children, Susan was a loving grandmother to ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Susan had a great love of singing, which began with her church's children's choir. As an adult she participated in barbershop harmony groups such as the Sweet Adelines, entertaining people in nursing homes, at community events, and on other occasions. She loved to dance and participated whenever the opportunity presented itself. She possessed a sharp intelligence, uncommon civility, courage in the face of adversity, and generosity in sharing her joy in life.

A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.