Obituary: Sue Ann Champion, 62, of Scottville.

Sue Champion

Obituary: Sue Ann Champion, 62, of Scottville.

Sue Ann (Townsend) Champion was born in Muskegon on December 11, 1957 to George and Lois Townsend of Ravenna. Her childhood was spent learning and growing in Ravenna alongside her sisters Leigh Wilson and Pamela Townsend. The youngest of the three, Sue was beloved and precious to all. From a young age, Sue was known to many as a selfless, loving, and generous soul. Many friendships that were formed while in her school days are bonds that lasted for life. Graduating from Ravenna High School in 1976, she left as the captain of the cheerleading squad and homecoming court attendant. 

Sue chose to dedicate her career to helping others, and graduated from Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing in 1979. Her first job was as an emergency room nurse at Muskegon General (1979-1981). It was here that she met Mark Champion; a paramedic/EMT. They happened to glance at one another over an inebriated patient Mark was wheeling into the ER, and had an instant connection. They began dating shortly thereafter and were married in 1981. They moved to Scottville the same year and have resided there since. As with everywhere she went, she built lifelong and meaningful relationships with many. Together the couple raised two children, Andrew Champion (1984) and Bethany Champion (1986) and cared for many beloved pets through the years. 

Her nursing career continued at Memorial Medical Center in Ludington from (1981-1989) as a staff nurse for the operating room and post anesthesia recovery. Amazingly, she received her bachelor’s degree as a Registered Nurse from Ferris State University in (1989). In (1989) she was hired at West Shore Medical Center in Manistee to manage the nursing staff, and continued her career at WSMC for the next 27 years. 

She held many different positions at WSMC, but was most proud of her accomplishments in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing. In 2006 she once again went back to school at the University of Texas and achieved certification in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence care. In collaboration with WSMC and Dr. Greg Bohn, a wound care clinic with hyperbaric chambers was opened and she treated patients from all over the state suffering from long term wounds and other maladies (2014-2016). Although the clinic was only in existence a few years, Sue was very proud of all the people she was able to help and the improvement of quality of life for many in our community and state. During this time, Sue contributed and co-authored multiple published articles regarding research and approaches in wound care. She was also asked to be a poster presenter at the National Conference for Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certifications in (2008).

Most recently (2017- present), Sue was an adjunct faculty member at West Shore Community College for the nursing program. She loved teaching, and particularly enjoyed the practicums and lab work where she could be hands on and guide her students in proper patient care. In 2019 she was awarded adjunct professor of the year; one of her proudest achievements. 

In her free time, Sue loved to make cards, play games with her family, cook, and read. More than anything she loved to plan big get togethers for family and friends. Organizing the theme, menu, games, and prizes was a joyous occasion and she would find any excuse to plan a big get together.   

Sue succumbed to complications following surgery on August 21, 2020. She fought bravely to recover, but ultimately the injuries were too substantial to overcome. 

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Lois Townsend and sister, Leigh Wilson. She is survived by Mark Champion (husband); Andrew Champion (son), Jennifer Champion (daughter-in -law), Bethany Champion (daughter), Pamela Townsend (sister), and countless other family, friends, and loved ones.

Her memory will live on in the love and generosity she poured into her relationships, patients, students, and community. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local TNR (trap, neuter, release) program for feral cats, the Humane Society, or the nursing program at West Shore Community College. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details of the event will be circulated in advance for all to attend. 

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington.