Susan F. Allen

Susan F. Allen, age 67, of Novi, passed away on March 29, 2025. She was born on October 8, 1957 in Tecumseh, Michigan; daughter of Richard and Genevieve (Riopelle) Frolich. Susan was united in marriage to Gary F. Allen on December 19, 1987 and they spent 37 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Susan is survived by her loving husband, Gary Allen; her children, Richard (Kari Elenbaas) Allen, Marissa Allen, and Elizabeth (Andrew Grant) Allen; her grandchildren, Riley and Reagan; her sister, Sandra (Todd McCaughey) Frolich; her mother-in-law, Sue Crittenden; her sisters-in-law, Jennifer (Richard) Rykowski and Cheryl (Jeff) Mueller; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sheryl Busch.

Susan grew up in Clinton, Michigan, and was a proud graduate of Clinton High School, Class of 1975. During her high school years, she was an active member of the Drama Club and Spanish Club and was honored with a scholarship from Betty Crocker. She continued her education at Eastern Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics, before furthering her studies at Western Michigan University, where she obtained a master’s degree in Child Development and a master’s degree in Reading from Eastern Michigan University. While pursuing her graduate studies, Susan completed her student teaching in Ann Arbor, having previously student taught in Chelsea during her undergraduate studies.

Susan dedicated seven years to teaching Home Economics at Vicksburg High School before stepping away from the workforce to focus on her family. During her time as an educator, she developed a groundbreaking curriculum called Modern Problems, which addressed important topics such as death, adoption, and divorce, helping students navigate real-life challenges. She also played a pivotal role in implementing a sex education curriculum at the high school. Her passion for education and advocacy extended beyond the classroom. Susan was honored to serve twice as President of the Michigan Home Economics Teachers Association, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the field. Even after leaving her formal teaching career, she continued to share her knowledge, leading a Mommy and Me bonding class and teaching hundreds of children how to swim.

Susan’s passion for education and community service extended far beyond the classroom. She was deeply involved in numerous charities in Northville and played an active role with Bridgepointe, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing resources to Detroit classrooms. She also volunteered with the Northville Newcomers Group, warmly welcoming new residents to the community. Her most cherished volunteer work centered around her children. She served as both a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, as well as a Cub and Boy Scout Leader, creating lasting memories and meaningful experiences for countless young people. Fondly known as the “Church Craft Lady,” Susan brought creativity and joy to vacation Bible school and Sunday school at First United Methodist Church of Northville. She was also a beloved room mom at Thornton Creek Elementary School, where she took great pride in chairing the Gator Gala.

Susan was a natural caregiver, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. She lovingly cared for her mother during her illness and had an open heart for everyone. She had a special love for children, especially babies, and often joked that her physical strength came from always having a little one in her arms. Incredibly nurturing, Susan welcomed everyone into her home, offering warmth and kindness to all who needed a maternal presence. A gracious host, Susan took great joy in entertaining. Her home was beautifully decorated for every holiday, which she was always happy to host. A talented cook and baker, no meal was ever simple, every gathering featured a feast, and she never arrived anywhere empty-handed. If asked to bring a pie, she would bring several, and her homemade applesauce and jellies were cherished gifts.

Her love for beauty extended to her garden, where she cultivated stunning flowerbeds, taking pride in having the most blooms in the neighborhood. An avid reader, she enjoyed detective novels, and her passion for sewing led her to create over 600 caps and scarves for children in Detroit through Bridgepointe. She also had a love for antiques, collecting Depression-era glass and Madame Alexander dolls, and shared a booth at Salt City Antiques with her mother and sister. Susan had a soft spot for animals, especially her beloved dog, Cassie, a Shih Tzu/Bichon Frise mix. But above all, her greatest joy came from her family. She adored being a “Grammy” and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren. Her warmth, generosity, and boundless love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Memorial Visitation will be held Friday, May 16, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon with a Memorial Service at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI 48154 or Bridgepointe Nonprofit, 15 E. Kirby #1018, Detroit, MI 48202.