Susan M. Coffman

Susan M. Coffman, born on August 3, 1943, in South Bend, Indiana, passed away on February 11, 2025, at the Holy Cross Wellness Center in South Bend.

Susan's life was characterized by her unwavering loyalty to family and strong will. Throughout the 1980s, she devoted many years to the Saint Joseph County Special Olympics. Her commitment to this cause started with a friendship with a local man Bill Locke of South Bend and was highlighted by her collaboration with Eunice Kennedy Shriver in helping organize portions of the notable 1987 Special Olympics Games held at the University of Notre Dame.  Susan also spent many years working for H&G Services processing payroll working in property management along with any other task that needed done.

Susan was not only known for her work ethic and spirited engagement in community activities but also for her warmth and hospitality at family gatherings. She had a special way of making her loved ones feel valued—when hosting family dinners, she would set the table with her cherished China, silver and cranberry dish, which was a clear message of importance of those who came before us. A gifted cook, she delighted her family with exquisite meals, all while listening to the soothing sounds of Neil Diamond.

Family was the center of Susan's universe. She cherished her granddaughters, Taylor and Allison, loving them "to the moon and back," and their bond was one filled with mutual affection.

She loved her sons, Brian (Jenifer) Coffman of Niles and nobody came between her and her special son Chris.  Anyone who knew Sue, knew Chris was her top priority.  Sue adored her sister Kathy and looked up to her brother-in-law Tom Herrman of Mishawaka. Susan found joy in her relationships with her nieces, Norah and Mayah, who brought much happiness during their visits, and she created lasting memories with her nephew’s Tony (Blair) Herrman of Niles and Andy Herrman of Mishawaka. Sue didn’t have any daughters but thought of her niece Jennifer Herrman of Mishawaka as the next closest thing. Along with many great nieces and nephews.  Family brought her joy.

In her leisure time, Susan enjoyed planting flowers and nurturing her landscaping, showcasing her creativity through crafts. She and her sister shared countless hours crafting homemade Christmas ornaments, each piece bearing her signature ladybug, a symbol of her unique touch.

Susan's kind spirit extended beyond her family to her neighbors on Lenson Drive, with whom she shared a strong sense of community. Her passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the honor of knowing her.

She is predeceased by her beloved mother, Doris Daniels; stepfather, John Daniels; father, Michael Autore; and son, Sean Coffman and her husband Bud. Susan M. Coffman will be fondly remembered for her fierce loyalty, love for family, and the profound impact she made on the lives she touched.

If there is a heaven, Sue is up there right now having a glass of wine with all the family and friends that went before her. Hopefully she can now take time for herself and set down the burden of always taking care of everyone one else and finally putting herself first. 

A special thank you to her daughter in law Jenifer Coffman for all the care she provided and the special relationship only her and Sue shared.  Though Sue didn't always know how to show it, she loved Jenifer with all her heart.  It is because of Jenifer and family, that we believe Sue knew she could pass on as Chris would always be taken care of.

Also, a special thank you to all the care she received at Holy Cross on Dugdale South Bend, and Harmony Cares Hospice. They were fabulous during this trying time.

There will be no visitation or arrangements.  Sue will be cremated and placed at Fairview cemetery near her mom and dad where she will await Chris to join her one day.  This way they will always be together.

In honor of Sue and instead of donations please take time to tell a family member, friend or neighbor how much they mean to you. That is something that lasts forever and can never be taken away.

Love you Mom,

Brian

(Son)