Susan Meldrum

Sue was born on July 3, 1951, in Bay City, to the late Sylvester “Bill” and Anne (Wisniewski) Gielda. After high school, she graduated as a registered nurse from the Hurley School of Nursing in Flint.

Through mutual friends, she met the love of her life, Jay Scott Meldrum. They were married on July 1, 1972, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bay City. Together they raised three wonderful children: Amy, Anne, and Jay.

Sue’s nursing career was broad and meaningful, taking her through a variety of hospital and business settings. She concluded her career as a utilization review nurse for Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she helped people navigate their insurance needs.

Life with Jay took them to many places, spanning Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. They were happy to settle in Traverse City four years ago. Sue loved the beauty of the Upper Peninsula, though after 25 winters in Houghton, her favorite view was the Houghton-Hancock (Portage) Lift Bridge and the Mackinac Bridge in her rearview mirror.

She loved knitting, creating countless socks, sweaters, and even Harry Potter scarves. Throughout the years, Sue delighted in reading, preparing home-cooked meals, and baking. Yearly, she poured her heart into making her mother’s treasured coffee cake; a recipe she loved dearly and shared generously with family and friends. Sue found great joy wandering the unique shops of Traverse City, especially browsing for treasures at Talbots.

Sue and Jay shared a love of traveling, with treasured trips to Europe, Florida, and especially the Cheeca Lodge in the Florida Keys. A “secret” World of Warcraft queen, Sue delighted in building high-level characters and adventuring online.

Above all, Sue had a deep love for dogs, each one holding a special place in her heart. Her beloved dog, Ginger, will miss her dearly. Sue was a wonderful friend to dogs, knew every breed by sight, and pet every dog she passed on the street with love.

Sue is survived by her husband of 53 loving years, Jay; her children, Amy Meldrum and Jay (Caroline) Meldrum; grandchildren, Aidan, Molly, Jacob, Ella, Asa, Kate, and Emma; siblings, Karen Lauer and Tom (Peggy) Gielda; sister-in-law, Amy Gielda; and many nieces, nephews, dear friends; and her beloved dog, Ginger.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Anne; her brother, Mark; and her brother-in-law, Richard.

Visitation will be held from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a service starting at 4 p.m. A light reception will follow. Her service will be available via livestream at rjfh.tv for those who are unable to attend or wish to view it later.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sue’s honor may be directed to the Munson Hospice House, Gift of Life Transplant House, or Michigan Humane Society.

Kindly share thoughts and memories of Sue with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.