Susan J. Alveshere - Andriotti

Susan Jennifer Alveshere-Andriotti (née Cook) passed away at the tender age of 53 on Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after a valiant and prolonged battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Susan departed this world surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and courage.

Susan is survived by her devoted husband, Louis James Andriotti; her treasured daughters, Azula Maxine, Sam Ella (Lex), and Hannah Ellen Alveshere; cherished stepsons, Brett (Funda) and Brien Andriotti; beloved father, Max Don Cook; adored sister, Julie (Nils) Luckman; and her sweet grandson, Luca Andriotti.  She was preceded in death by her loving mother, Linda Cook.

Born in the “Emerald City” of Seattle, Washington, Susan was the beloved daughter of Linda and Max Cook, and her caring elder sister Julie. Her early years in Federal Way, Washington were filled with family vacations in Hawaii and the joys of horseback riding; her days often spent with her horse, Sunny, followed by her nights dreaming up art that would later define her unique style. From a young age, she was a pioneer in art, crafting breathtaking works on black paper with Prismacolor pencils—a style that won her global recognition.

Her artistic journey saw her travel the world, exhibiting across the UK and achieving one of her career highlights when her piece, "Peacekeepers," was placed in the Pentagon by President George W. Bush in 2003. That same year, Susan's life took a challenging turn with her MS diagnosis, yet she faced each obstacle with unmatched grit, continually defying the odds of paralysis and memory loss.

Susan enriched the lives of many through her work with the Northwest Foursquare Church’s art ministry and later, as a fashion innovator, when she founded Beauty Revolution Magazine, the first fully digital fashion magazine. Her entrepreneurial spirit thrived as she later opened Body Rejuvenate medical spa, aimed at improving life for those with chronic pain, drawing from her own personal experiences.

Perhaps, Susan's most fulfilling career role was with Vista Springs where she served as the Senior Managing Partner for several assisted living communities.  In this executive leadership position, she brought daily joy to residents through art classes and vibrant social events and helped develop the “Remember Me” program to enhance the quality of life for people with dementia. Her effervescent personality and warm smile were a light to all who knew and loved her.

Susan often said that her greatest accomplishment was being a mother. Her life was a testament to the power of maternal love, where she instilled in her children the courage and inspiration to be advocates for positive change in the world. Susan met Lou in 2016, she found in him a soulmate with whom she shared many adventures, including a cherished wedding on the beach and honeymoon in Mexico. Susan's love for the beach and the serenity of water echoed the peace she found in her faith, which sustained her through her life’s trials.

We warmly invite you to join us in honoring and celebrating Susan's life. On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, a visitation will be held from noon until 2 PM, with a service to immediately follow, at Metcalf and Jonkoff Funeral Home, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This gathering will be a time to reflect on our precious memories of Susan and to share stories with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there as we come together in remembrance of a truly cherished life.

As we remember Susan Jennifer Alveshere-Andriotti, we find solace knowing she is now at peace, watching over us from above, her spirit as indomitable in memory as it was in life. Her journey inspires us to face our own challenges with grace and to embrace each day with the same zest and love that she did.  May Eternal rest be granted unto Susan, and may the perpetual light of Glory forever shine upon her. 

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