Susan Marie Gintz, age 70, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away Friday, January 29, 2021.

She was born on August 29, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from St. Edmonds High School in Fort Dodge, Iowa, after which she attended Iowa Central Community College. Susan married her high school sweetheart, Thomas, a loving and caring husband. They took residence in Rochester, Minnesota where they enjoyed 49 years of marriage together.

Susan worked for People's Natural Gas for many years and continued on in her career at Gauthier Industries where she was known to be a great asset in the growth of the company. She retired from her position in 2017 as Customer Service and Human Resources Manager after 32 years.

Susan was a devout Catholic and volunteered for many years as Eucharistic Minister at the Church of St. Pius X and served communion to the residents at Samaritan Bethany nursing home.

Susan was the matriarch of the family, a role she earned through years of selfless devotion and love for her five younger siblings, three children, and six grandchildren. She was affectionately referred to as Susie Bear by her many nieces and nephews, and served as surrogate Mother and Nana to many others that were fortunate enough to have her ingrained in their lives. Her laugh was genuine, generous, and infectious. She could put one at ease with her warm smile and hospitality.

Nothing gave Mom more pride and joy than being Nana. Reading books, showering the grandchildren with gifts, and giving cuddles on the couch were her forte.

Mom was the memory maker. Sue and Tom loved creating holiday traditions for the family together in their home, hosting many warm and happy holidays and family get-togethers. She is inextricably linked within who we are as a family, and though difficult to move forward without her physical presence, we will carry these threads of her with gratitude and honor. The profound sadness and heartache at her passing is a testament to how deeply we love her.

She is survived by her husband Thomas R. Gintz; son, Christopher (Nicolette) Gintz; daughters, Katherine (Michael) Hines, and Elizabeth (Gregory) Lee; grandchildren; Ryan, Kevin, Sam, Sophia, Crosby, and Wesley; brothers, Mitchell (Michelle) Sells, Michael Sells, Patrick Sells; and sister and best friend, Ann (Douglas) Glasenapp.

She is preceded in death by her parents James Albert Sells and Patricia Mitchell Sells, and her brother Gerald Sells.

A private memorial for immediate family will be held on Thursday. A celebration of life will be planned for friends and family at a later date.