In Loving Memory of Susan Marie Pauwels Cloutier

Susan Marie Pauwels Cloutier – beloved daughter, sister, niece, aunt, and friend – was called home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2026.

Susie was born to Robert and Constance (Wolfe) Pauwels in Jackson, Michigan, on August 22, 1962.

After spending her formative years in Michigan and Illinois, Susie ventured out west, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Utah and later completed her master’s degree at Santa Clara University, becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

There is no doubt that Susie lived her life to the fullest. Her sparkling, vivacious nature made her the heart of every gathering, and her quick-witted, spontaneous sense of humor guaranteed that there would be laughter and light wherever she went. She was beautiful inside and out, and her smile truly lit up the room.

Beneath her lively personality was a deeply generous and selfless individual. She loved her family and her friends, was fiercely loyal, and would go to the ends of the earth to help anyone in need or to brighten someone’s day by sending a thoughtful gift. Her warmth and authenticity were contagious.

It is said that the true testament of a life well-lived is the abundance of friends left behind—and by that measure, Susie’s life was rich beyond compare. To know her was to love her, and she gave that love back tenfold.

She was also a person of many and varied interests. She was an avid reader, loved cooking, fashion, classic Hollywood films, storm chasing, and great conversation. She had an endless appetite for learning.

Susie’s love and legacy will live on through those who carry her memory forward: her loving parents, her six siblings – Mary Long, Jim (Therese) Pauwels, Jacqui Wade, Bob (Leusa) Pauwels, David (Laura) Pauwels, and Katherine (Brian) Meyer – her eight nieces and nephews, her uncle, aunts, cousins, and legions of friends.

She was reunited in eternal life with her nephew William “Billy” Long, her Aunt Janet, and her beloved grandparents.

Susie was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. We find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, in the presence of God, and in the company of those who have gone before her. And we know that we will see her again when it is our time to journey home.

May she rest peacefully in God’s loving embrace.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 10th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, with the Celebration of Life Mass immediately following at 11:00 AM. All who attend are invited to a luncheon afterward. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s & St. James Cemetery. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.