Susan Marie Mahoney, age 66 of Prior Lake passed away on August 30, 2017. A visitation will be on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. Reverend Shari Luebbert will preside, and Sue will be laid to rest at Credit River Cemetery.
Sue was born in Minneapolis on March 19, 1951 to parents Ed and Gladys (Benson) Novak. Growing up in Prior Lake, Sue was the middle child. She was always the “sassy” one and was known to be the first one out of the house if there were chores to be done! She would hop on her horse and ride off to the neighbors’.
Sue graduated from Prior Lake High School in 1969 and after trying a few jobs she landed a position with Lee Data in the “new” computer industry. She started on the ground floor, and with a great work ethic and amazing people skills was able to work her way to high level positions in several high-tech start-up companies. Sue currently worked as a Director for Dell Computer where she was able to work with people from across the United States and Europe. She was highly respected throughout the company, as well as the industry, to the point that upper management seldom made a move without knowing Sue was “at the helm”. She loved her work, and was very good at it.
Although they grew up together, it wasn’t until just after high school that she began dating the love of her life, Jerry Mahoney. After a courtship that lasted nearly 5 years, they exchanged wedding vows on August 9, 1974 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Their marriage was blessed with 2 wonderful daughters, Marti and Carrie.
As a family, they enjoyed many things, but the family favorite was flea-markets. Going to the Flea Markets was more than a pastime, it was a priority. Sue loved shopping each of the little boutiques always with an eye for purses, jewelry and her knick-knacks.
Sue really loved celebrating holidays. She baked and decorated the most elaborate “one-of-a-kind” cakes for every birthday. She was proud of her extensive Department 56 collection which would change from Halloween, to Thanksgiving and finally Christmas – her favorite time of year. After much decorating, cooking and baking, each Christmas Day would begin with the entire neighborhood coming over for “Tom & Jerry’s” and treats before heading out for their own family gatherings.
Sue was a passionate person and was most passionate about her family, especially her grandchildren McKenna, Riley and Cali. She was a dedicated caregiver and proud of the fact she spoiled each of them. She was also a dedicated “Dance Grandma” never missing a performance. She treasured every drawing and craft project the kids ever made for her.
In March Sue was diagnosed with cancer. She didn’t want to leave her family that she loved so much, but on August 30, 2017 she passed in the arms of her loving husband. Sue will be missed by her husband, Jerry; daughters, Marti (Mike) Peterson and Carrie Mahoney; grandchildren, McKenna, Riley and Cali; siblings, Nancy (Peter Nyhus) Novak, Mary (Nels) Nelson, David (Jayne) Novak, Jerry (Joyce Wiita) Novak; many other loving relatives and friends. Sue was welcomed in Heaven by her parents, Edwin & Gladys Novak.
