Susan (Susie) Habjan, 73 of Newport News passed away after short battle with cancer on 14 Dec 2024.
Susie was a native of Chicago, IL and was the daughter of the late, Carl Kalins and Lorraine Schwingel. She is predeceased by both her parents and sister Sherry Humphreys.
She retired two years ago and moved to Virginia to be closer to family.
Left to cherish her memories is her husband Duane Habjan, her nephew Tommy Humphreys, and niece Lorrie Humphreys.
A special thanks to Jerry Hood, Debbie Splingaire and Maryann Wright for being there for the family.
There will be no service.
7 Comments
A smile I will never forget. I know there is a reason for everything God does but this one makes no sense to my broken heart. We had so much more to do together since you retired. All you kept saying to me was have fun every day and think of me.
Diane. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Sometimes I don’t understand God. So many Red School Memories. She is probably cooking up some breakfast and making raisin toast for my Dad. And having a reunion with all her customers. Hugs to you.
Heaven has a special Angel 😇
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Susie was a great lady and she will be missed.
I still can’t believe you are not here with us. My Auntie, my friend. I miss you. I promise no more tears just happy memories.
I miss you so much. My Auntie, my best friend. I promised you no more tears just happy thoughts but it’s hard to do without you. I love you Susie!
Susie, you are so greatly missed! It is true when people say you never know when the last time you will see or hear from someone will be. This was so unexpected and heartbreaking.
I began working for Susie (and Duane) at the Red School Cafe in Bristol, Wisconsin, the summer after I graduated high school in 2003. Susie taught me so many life skills that I still carry with me today, including how to make the best omelettes! She was like a second mother to myself and a handful of other people that just couldn’t seem to leave that place! We all grew up in that tiny restaurant, and Susie was always there for us with whatever we needed. She was there to offer advice, support, a laugh, hug, or a cry. She truly loved that restaurant, but most especially she loved the people working for her. I can still hear her voice calling my name from the bottom of the stairs in the back room.
Susie was very supportive of me (and others) when I had children and she welcomed them into the restaurant with open arms. Working for her afforded me the opportunity to keep my children out of daycare so that I could spend the majority of their formidable years raising them. I am eternally grateful for that and I wouldn’t go back and change it for the world.
Eventually, I did move on to a career, however I continued to work regularly at the Cafe until the pandemic hit (I still filled in after that) because I couldn’t leave. Red School Cafe was my home and Susie was the matriarch of our family there. I loved the time I spent there; they truly were the best years of my life. Often, I wish I could go back in time to a busy Sunday morning with Rhonda as my partner, with Susie and Randy cooking, and a counter full of our favorite regulars. Those were the days!!!!
I always thought I’d have the change to see her again. I am so sorry that I didn’t get to say goodbye.
I will love you forever, Susie! Until I see you again…