Suzanne Rita Pusateri

Suzanne Rita Pusateri was born into this world as Suzanne Justin, oldest daughter of Alvin and Helen Justin, in Chicago, Illinois. She led a comfortable life with her parents and within a few years along came her sister, Judy, and brother, David.

Suzanne, or Sue, was set up on a blind date in March of 1953 with Leo Pusateri. She quickly realized she’d met the love of her life. The next year, she graduated from Longwood Academy of Our Lady High School. Soon after, Leo and Sue were married. They were, of course, smitten, and their first child, Stephen, was born June 26, 1957. Over the course of the next few years, Sue gave birth to six more children—Jennifer, Mark, Helen, Ruth, Dominic and Matthew.

Now with a house full of kids, and a thriving produce business, Sue always found time to prepare meals and watch her children, while also bookkeeping for Leo Pusateri & Sons Produce. Leo and Sue were known around their neighborhood for their kindness and generosity. In addition to taking in her siblings David and Judy after her father’s death in 1961, she opened her home to anyone who needed it, making them feel both loved and, of course, full.

Once all her kids and siblings had left her home for school or work, Sue was able to turn more of her attention toward two important things: church and the business. Every single day she would head out the door to morning mass. As she used to say, one day for each of her 7 children. Then, she would work alongside her daughter Ruth while two of her grandkids played in the corner.

Suzanne and Leo lived happily together for over 40 years before he passed away in his sleep in 2010. A few years later Sue went to live with her son Matthew and daughter-in-law Liz and their three children in Lombard, Illinois. In her spare time, she became the professional armchair consultant to the Chicago Blackhawks, daily home-Jeopardy winner and Survivor fanatic. She enjoyed visiting with her family and sampling the many foods that were brought by on a nearly daily basis.

On Monday February 19, 2018, Suzanne Pusateri left us to join her husband Leo, brother David, and her parents in heaven. Sue leaves behind her children Stephen, Jennifer Buehrer, Mark, Helen Racette, Ruth George, Dominic and Matthew; 15 grandchildren; and a sister, Judy Justin.

Please join us for services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church—114 S. Elizabeth St., Lombard—on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. and a celebration of life at 6:00 p.m at Rockwood Tap House—3131 Finley Rd., Downers Grove. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Go Red For Women at www.donatenow.heart.org/goredforwomen.