Obituary for Susan Jane (Bitner) Mars
Susan Jane Mars, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Susan was born the only child of Harold and Sara (Park) Bitner in Altoona, Pennsylvania. At a young age, she and her family relocated to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where she would graduate from Westmont-Upper Yoder High School. Following graduation, Susan attended the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a bachelor’s degree from the School of Nursing. In 1963, Susan moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she accepted a position at the Washtenaw County Health Department as a registered nurse.
Susan married William Mars in 1965, and they welcomed three children, Mike, Betsy, and Nancy and raised them in Ann Arbor. She was a devoted and loving mother while continuing her education and passion for nursing. In 1979, Susan earned a master’s degree specializing in nursing health services and administration from the University of Michigan. After working for U of M for several years, she became a community health nurse for the VA Hospital of Ann Arbor in 1986 serving veterans until her retirement in 2002.
After retirement, Susan enjoyed being a member of the Ann Arbor City Club, volunteering at the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop, and traveling. Susan loved watching U of M basketball and football games and was a proud Pittsburgh Steelers fan who loved rooting for her home team. She also enjoyed playing bridge with friends, playing the piano, and caring for her dogs who brought her endless happiness. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved to spoil them and was a constant cheerleader and supporter. She was the foundation of the family.
Susan will be deeply missed by her children, Mike (Kimberly) Mars, Betsy Densham, and Nancy (Kevin) Worth, and her six grandchildren, Christopher and Jacob Mars, Sarah and Ryan Densham, and Drew and Allison Worth.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 11:00 am until 1:00pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor. A private burial will be held in Northumberland, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to Huron Valley Humane Society in honor of her deep love of animals.
Susan was born the only child of Harold and Sara (Park) Bitner in Altoona, Pennsylvania. At a young age, she and her family relocated to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where she would graduate from Westmont-Upper Yoder High School. Following graduation, Susan attended the University of Pittsburgh where she earned a bachelor’s degree from the School of Nursing. In 1963, Susan moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she accepted a position at the Washtenaw County Health Department as a registered nurse.
Susan married William Mars in 1965, and they welcomed three children, Mike, Betsy, and Nancy and raised them in Ann Arbor. She was a devoted and loving mother while continuing her education and passion for nursing. In 1979, Susan earned a master’s degree specializing in nursing health services and administration from the University of Michigan. After working for U of M for several years, she became a community health nurse for the VA Hospital of Ann Arbor in 1986 serving veterans until her retirement in 2002.
After retirement, Susan enjoyed being a member of the Ann Arbor City Club, volunteering at the Ann Arbor Thrift Shop, and traveling. Susan loved watching U of M basketball and football games and was a proud Pittsburgh Steelers fan who loved rooting for her home team. She also enjoyed playing bridge with friends, playing the piano, and caring for her dogs who brought her endless happiness. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved to spoil them and was a constant cheerleader and supporter. She was the foundation of the family.
Susan will be deeply missed by her children, Mike (Kimberly) Mars, Betsy Densham, and Nancy (Kevin) Worth, and her six grandchildren, Christopher and Jacob Mars, Sarah and Ryan Densham, and Drew and Allison Worth.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 11:00 am until 1:00pm at Nie Family Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor. A private burial will be held in Northumberland, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in her name to Huron Valley Humane Society in honor of her deep love of animals.