Mary “Sue” Ritzel

December 2, 1937 – December 30, 2025

It is with the legacy of love she created that we honor the life of our beloved Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, sister, sister-in-law, cousin, friend, and matriarch of the Ritzel, Hausman, and Lovejoy families.

Not many children are fortunate enough to have their mother when they are in their sixties themselves. But we were blessed to have one of the strongest women as our mom for all that time. Being a single mother of four in the 1960s would be a challenge for any woman, but our mom was a survivor. She gave everything of herself to raise us in a loving, safe home with the help of her mother (our grandmother, Giggi Hausman). We never felt deprived, unloved, or broken.

Shortly after her youngest child, Juli, was born in 1966, Mom went to work at Highland Hospital. With only a high school diploma, she worked her way up the ladder to become the Supervisor of Accounts Payable and Payroll for the entire hospital. This career that spanned 33 years enabled her to purchase her first house that became a loving family home for many years. She was also able to provide all four of us kids with Catholic school educations which was important to her and her faith. She taught us to be thankful for everything we had, no matter how much or how little it was, and that family was the most precious gift of all.

After her retirement, Mom’s life-long love for animals brought her to become a volunteer at Lollypop Farm where she assisted with their cat adoptions, fostered kittens, managed donations, and even met her own sweet kitty, Charlie (AKA Charles). Charlie was her favorite companion to cheer on the Bills with every Sunday. With squishy marshmallow paws, big green eyes and white fur that was softer than a rabbit’s, Mom and Charlie adored each other.

Mom was also extremely involved in her grandchildren’s lives and doted on each of them. They made her so proud. She attended their sporting events, dance recitals, graduations, band concerts, school musicals, and enjoyed treating them to lunch dates. She was always there for them, always present. Mom also traveled to Florida often to spend time with her grandkids there, whom she adored. Her grandchildren will always remember the warmth of her love and support.

Mom spent many years dedicated to caring for our sister, Juli, during her illness until her passing in 2021. The support Mom provided Juli with in life, and the strength she showed after losing her youngest child demonstrates the immense love a mother has for her children.

Thank you for being our mom. We love and miss you.

Sue is survived by her children: Jeannie Whelehan (Tom Fox), Ed (Dee) Ritzel, Jim (Corrine) Ritzel.

Her grandchildren: Nicholas Whelehan (Sarah Plantz), Jeffrey Hunt, Amanda (Colton) Hensley, Victoria (Joseph) Shevlin, Noah (Andrea) Ritzel, James Ritzel Jr, Benjamin Ritzel, and Nicole Ritzel.

Her great-grandson: Joseph “JJ” Shevlin. Sister-in-law: Cathy “Kay” Dugan. Special nephews and nieces: Carl Hausman Jr. (Mark, Carl III), Patrick Dugan, Katie Dugan (Al Allen), Annie and Henry Barber. And many long-time friends and neighbors.

Predeceased by: Her youngest child, Julianne Hunt (2021). Her parents, Doris and Al Hausman. Brothers Carl Sr. and Dick Hausman. Father of her children, Ed Ritzel Sr. (1974). Brother-in-law, James V. Dugan.

Thank you to the staff at St. John’s Nursing Home, Hastings 3. Especially Mom’s aide, Angela, and to the hospice team from Rochester Regional Health, Miranda, Lauren, and Cookie.

There will be no calling hours. A Funeral Service will be held in the spring on May 15, 2026 at 11am. All Seasons Chapel, White Haven Memorial Park. Interment to follow service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester.(WEBSITE)