Susan Lynn Kastelic

July 9, 1962 ~ June 30, 2015

July 29, 2015

A private, solemn Requiem Mass in the Latin-Rite was celebrated for the repose of Susan's soul by Fr. Dennis Gordon, FSSP, on July 14, 2015 (Feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha) at St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Chapel in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Among those in attendance were Fr. Mariusz Majewski (Pastor, St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church , Coeur d'Alene) and, Fr. David Riffle, (former Pastor, St. Ann's Catholic Church, Bonners Ferry). Susan is survived and lovingly remembered by her parents, Donald and Carol Cyphert, maternal grandmother Margaret, younger sister Debra, devoted son Michael "Mak" (Kamrie), and her forever friend and husband, John. Susan also leaves behind 23 Godchildren and many nieces and nephews; all of whom, she was so very fond. Born and raised in the "Land of Enchantment" (New Mexico) on July 9, 1962, Susan will always be known and remembered for her beautiful smile, quiet demeanor, gentle nature, loyalty, and infinite patience, Susan will also be well-remembered for her creativity and artistic talent. She was an accomplished weaver and quilter who appreciated the complex designs and rich colors of her native Southwest. She also was quite skilled in needlepoint, crochet and macrame. In addition to these inspiring abilities, Susan loved, enjoyed, and pursued over the years with great enthusiasm a wide variety of interests, hobbies and pastimes that included: many, many cats and dogs (all favorites); attending musicals, opera, ballet and a wide-variety of stage productions and choral events; serving as a Den Mother; sponsoring and supporting youth athletics and activities; volunteering at Church; watching pre-1950 movies; teaching calligraphy; reading novels; adoring all things purple and violet; star-gazing; solving math and logic puzzles; planning long, historically-themed road-trips and vacations; listening to all genres of music (especially classical and her beloved Mozart); camping; fishing; vegetable and flower gardening; and being a loving, supportive wife and mother. Susan was passionate about our natural world and she kept meticulous records of her animal sightings on road-trips, most-especially birds. An avid (fanatic) bird watcher was Susan, and she could easily identify many dozens of species as well as share fun and interesting facts about the uniqueness of their traits or habitats. When camping, fishing or hiking, Susan sought the most-secluded sites, hidden lakes, long-forgotten streams, and the trails least traveled, always preferring to cook over an open fire and sleep under the stars. And after each trip, it was only Susan's humility that prevented her from reminding John, that it was she who always caught the most, and biggest fish. In the kitchen, Susan served up the "truth" in the form of her old-fashioned style of cooking that she developed from the German, Irish and Mexican traditions. Her efforts at the stove or oven were always enhanced by the welcoming ambiance she created for anyone who sat at her table. She loved to prepare special family feasts for each holiday, especially during the Advent and Christmas Season when she would decorate the house with garland and luminarias. Depending on the time of year, Susan could be found selecting chiles for roasting, berries for her special preserves, meats for her stews, or fruits for her pies. Although she always readily shared her "secret" baking recipes, few could replicate her biscochitos, apple pies, rum cakes, cheesecakes, soda breads, and her incomparable, signature, "Snookie Cookie." And from time-to-time, generous portions of healthy advice were also served up; and when needed, consoling words mixed with her recipe for kindness. Indeed, all were welcome in Susan's kitchen where the truth was always spoken. Quietly rising before sunup each morning to simply sit outside and listen to the birds, Susan always managed to meet the day with an optimistic attitude and cheerful smile. She diligently worked in the medical field for over 20 years as a hospital ward clerk and unit secretary in the surgical, labor and delivery, intensive care, and oncology wards. She was highly-regarded as a model employee who received numerous merit awards. But never being one to enjoy the spotlight during the occasional employee function, Susan would seize with embarrassment while being recognized for her value, expertise, and dedication. Susan went peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on the morning of June 30, 2015. Her beautiful, grateful smile is sincerely extended to the following individuals who offered their love, support and kindness to Susan and her family during her final days: Fr. Dan Nolan, FSSP (St. Joan of Arc); Karen Noble and all dear friends at Current Medical Services; kindred-spirit Marcia Clark; the staff of North Idaho Hospice House at Hummingbird Fields; Jerry and Kathy Parker and the parishioners of St. Thomas Apostle; and to Debbie, who lovingly nursed and cared for her sister throughout that time. Please remember Susan and her family in your good prayers. To some, it may be of interest to know that Susan held a special devotion to Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe), and to St. Therese of Lisieux, the "Little Flower" (Susan's Confirmation name). Rosaries and Masses may also be said for the intention held most-dearly in Susan's heart, "All Unborn Children." Mass requests can be made to: St. Joan of Arc Chapel (Coeur d'Alene), St. Thomas Apostle (Coeur d'Alene), St. Ann's (Bonners Ferry), and, Fr. David Riffle, Retired (P.O. Box 277, Santa, Idaho 83866). O Lord, grant eternal rest unto thy humble servant Susan, and let your perpetual light shine upon her, and all the souls of your faithful departed. Amen.