Suzanne M. Valle (née Dolen), beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was 94 years old.

Born on March 26, 1932, in Peoria, Ill., Sue was the daughter of John Edward “Ed” Dolen and Marcella Dolen (née Litterst). She graduated from the Academy of Our Lady, an all-girls Catholic school in Peoria, and later attended Pasadena City College.

Sue met the love of her life, the late Frank D. Valle of Dalzell, Ill., while the two were working at a department store in Peoria. Sue, dressed as Bo-Peep and selling wool blankets, caught the eye of “first-floor Frank” from the camera department.

They married on December 29, 1951, beginning a devoted partnership that would span decades, continents, adventures, and a lifetime of laughter.

After Frank’s military service took them briefly to Trieste, Italy during the Korean War, they returned to the United States and settled in Trenton, Mich., in 1954, where they raised their three children: Debra, Pamela, and John.

In Trenton, Sue built a vibrant life centered around family, food, travel, and community. While raising her children, she served as finance chairman and president of the Seaway Hospital Auxiliary, worked in public relations for the Downriver Lawyers’ Wives, and was active in Saint Timothy’s Altar Society.

In 1987, Sue and Frank became members of Meadowood Golf & Tennis Club in Fort Pierce, where they built a beautiful home overlooking the 14th tee.

Known for her elegance, wit, and gift for storytelling, Sue brought joy and laughter wherever she went. Her humor could be wonderfully sharp, and her stories — inherited from her Irish father — could leave a room in tears from laughter.

Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank D. Valle; her infant daughter, Karin Valle; her sister, Jacqueline Polley; and her brothers, John and Daniel Dolen.

She is survived by her children Debra Valle, Pamela Arthur, and John Valle; six beloved grandchildren, Nicole Gross, Sean Arthur, Jack Arthur, Jaime Arthur, Erin Haines, and Rebecca Valle; two treasured great-grandchildren, Bennett Haines and Adeline Arthur; and generations of family and friends who will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Spina Bifida Association, www.spinabifidaassociation.org, in memory of Suzanne M. Valle.

Arrangements are under the direction of Millennium Cremation Service, Vero Beach. Condolences may be shared online at www.millenniumcremationservice.com.