Suzy Townsend
Margaret Suzanne “Suzy” Townsend passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, at the Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. She was born on Sept. 8, 1934, at home, just north of Sidney, to Loyal W. and Lena Frances (Palmer) Dome.
Suzy graduated from Sidney High School in 1952 and began college at Ball State. There, she met her future husband, James Lee Townsend, during a church event to welcome new students. Wed on May 22, 1954, Suzy and Jim were married for nearly 68 years before he passed on Jan. 29, 2022.
Suzy worked many jobs over her life, starting as a telephone operator to earn money for college. She worked many years as a lathe operator at Gatke Corp. in Warsaw. While there, she was a member of the United Auto Workers union local, serving as treasurer. Jim started several business ventures over the years while Suzy kept working, helping support them and maintaining stability for the family. She served in many roles in the family business, James Townsend & Son, including as weaver. She took joy in making custom items for people.
Throughout her life, Suzy embraced nature with a nurturing spirit. She found joy in gardening, caring for her cats and chickens, and feeding the birds that graced her yard. A true homebody at heart, she was always a reader, filling the house with books. She was a charter member of the Tippecanoe Audubon Society, and she enjoyed participating in programs at the Shepherd’s Center in North Manchester.
Suzy’s commitment to her family was unwavering; she was a supportive mother and grandmother, ensuring she was never a burden to those she loved. Her faith also played a pivotal role in her life; she was a devoted member of the Manchester Church of the Brethren since 1969.
The loving memory of Margaret Suzanne “Suzy” Townsend will be forever cherished by her children, Daniel Townsend, Warsaw, Frances Townsend, Onekama, Mich., Diane Townsend, Reno, Nev., Cindy Paeth, Veedersburg, Ind., and Jonathan (Whitney) Townsend, Pierceton; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Suzy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Townsend; son-in-law, Leonard Paeth; and siblings, Mary Geneva Moore, Bertha Irene Dome, George Harold Dome, Doris Bickett and David Dome.
Family and friends may call from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley St., North Manchester. A service to celebrate Suzy’s life will begin at the conclusion of calling, with Pastor Amy Gall Ritchie officiating.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Suzy, memorial contributions may be made to the Manchester Church of the Brethren, 1306 Beckley St., North Manchester, IN 46962 or Heifer International, 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202.
The family of Margaret Suzanne “Suzy” Townsend has entrusted
McKee Mortuary
, North Manchester, with care and final arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to
mckeemortuary.com
.
