Mary "Susie" (Custer) Fisher

Mary Susan Fisher (Custer), known lovingly as "Susie," passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 85, in Traverse City, Michigan, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease.

Born on April 7, 1940, in Decatur, Indiana to D. Burdette Custer (Col. USAF Ret.) and Valair J. Custer (n. Cooper). Susie graduated from Decatur Indiana High School in 1958 and attended the University of Michigan. She went on to build a fulfilling career with ITT in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she worked for more than thirty years. Susie was married to Dennis "Denny" Fisher (Huntertown, Indiana) who preceded her in death in 2004.

Upon retiring, Susie and Denny settled on Beaver Island, a place that captured her heart completely. Fiercely proud of her Irish heritage and her ancestors, who settled on Beaver Island, after eviction from Donegal during the Great Famine. Susie threw herself into island life with characteristic spirit. She volunteered at the Beaver Island Community School and with the local AMVETS chapter. Susie was a devoted member of the Beaver Island Community Church. She regularly lent her voice to the yearly Cantata and many other memorable musical events. Often described as sassy and wonderfully ornery, Susie possessed a kind heart and adored children, animals, reading, gardening, and a good party.

Sadly, her illness required Susie to leave her beloved Island, and she spent her final seven years at the Villa at Traverse Point in Traverse City. She loved the best she could within the confines of her illness.

Susie is survived by her brother, John Custer of Lake George, MI; her four children, Thomas Smith of Ft. Wayne, IN, Patrick Smith of Nashville, TN, Sarah Webb of Bath, UK and Michael Smith of Nashville, TN; and by her eight grandchildren, Addison, Katie, Riley, Rachel, Cassidy, Rafferty, Valair and EttaRose, whom she adored all to no end!

May she rest now in peace and grace, reunited with those she loved and forever at home on her island.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., with a one-hour visitation prior to the service, at the Beaver Island Community Church, (38215 Kenwabikise Lane, Beaver Island, Michigan, 49782) followed immediately by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to TUNES MUSIC MAKERS https://www.tunesmusicmakers.org/#give