Susan Carol Pursley

Susan Carol Pursley, age 74, of Lincoln Park, Michigan, passed away on July 18, 2026, at Belle Fountain Nursing & Rehabilitation Center after a long battle with cancer.

Born on January 24, 1952, at Riverside Osteopathic Hospital in Trenton, Michigan, Susan was the beloved daughter of Donald and Mary (Vajda) Sutter. A lifelong Catholic who loved God deeply and cherished her family above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and stepmother. She married Roger Pursley Sr. in 1989, and together they shared 36 beautiful years of partnership, laughter, and mutual support.

Susan is survived by her husband, Roger Pursley Sr.; her daughters Jennifer Ptak, Stephanie Horvath (Shawn), and Courtney Ptak; her stepdaughter Julie (Pursley) Lewis (Russ); her stepson Roger Pursley Jr. (Angela); her brother Donald (Sutter) Vajda (Darlene); and all of her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Michael J. Ptak (1988), and her sister Donna (Sutter) Gacioch (2016) (Terry).

Susan’s career began at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn as a nurse’s assistant. She later joined Ford Motor Company’s Woodhaven Stamping Plant, where she proudly retired after 30 years of dedicated service—first as a Production Supervisor and later in Skilled Trades. As one of the first women to hold a skilled trades role at Ford, she paved the way for others with quiet determination and excellence. She earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Technology from Baker College in June 1993, graduating summa cum laude. Susan maintained a real estate license through Century 21 for nearly 40 years, always guided by a genuine desire to help families find a place to call home. Through UAW Local 387, she formed lifelong friendships that meant the world to her. One of her proudest shared accomplishments was rebuilding a 6-cylinder engine for a Mercedes kit car alongside her husband and best friend, Roger—an achievement that perfectly reflected the teamwork and joy they found together.

Known for her incredible home-cooked meals that brought family members from near and far to the table, Susan created lasting memories through the simple act of gathering loved ones. She delighted in boating, traveling, party planning, and singing. A long-time parishioner of St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Allen Park, she lived selflessly for the betterment of others. Her radiant spirit, quiet wisdom, and deep love for God and family leave an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who were blessed to share life with her.

A Catholic Funeral Service will be held at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, 18303 Allen Road, Brownstown, Michigan 48193, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow immediately after the Rite of Committal until 1:00 p.m. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early.

Arrangements are under the care of Martenson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the family would be deeply appreciated and would help honor the caring spirit Susan shared with everyone she loved.