Sue Ann Spector
May 12, 1956 - January 14, 2026
SERVICE INFORMATION
Date and Time
Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Service
Chicago Jewish Funerals
Buffalo Grove Chapel
195 North Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
Get Directions
Clergy
Cantor Steven Stoehr
Congregation Beth Shalom
Interment
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
Get Directions
Shiva
Max and Benny’s
461 Waukegan Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062
Get Directions
Monday 1PM- 7PM
Shiva coordinator: Amy Voss
Amybvoss@aol.com
Venmo@amybvoss
Memorial Contributions
Lymphoma Research Foundation
Wall Street Plaza
88 Pine Street, Suite 2400
New York, New York 10005
www.lymphoma.org
or
American Cancer Society
150 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606
www.cancer.org
or
National Breast Cancer Foundation
P.O. Box 676910
Dallas, Texas 75267
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
OBITUARY
Sue Varon Spector
Beloved wife of Michael Spector. Devoted and proud mother of Haley and Shane Spector. Loving daughter of the late Albert and the late Esther Varon. Dear sister of Amy (the late James Bahcall), Rhonda (Joe Daniels), the late Shari (Neil Levin), and the late Vicki Madigan. Cherished sister-in-law of Steve (Pam) Spector.
Fond aunt of Lauren (Adam) Budz, Erin (Brian) Gryn, Seth (Courtney) Levin, Lindsey (Steve) Schneider, Ricky Daniels, Ryan (Alissa) Madigan, Sean (Andrea) Madigan, Allie Bahcall, Jamie Bahcall, Isabelle Spector, Sam Spector, and Jason Spector, and treasured great-aunt ZuZu of Wyatt, Ollie, Forest, Holden, Ellie, Sammy, Riley, David, Aubrey, Sam, and Evelyn.
Susie Spector was a devoted educator and coach, a loyal and loving friend, and a woman of remarkable strength and resilience. She brought passion to all that she did and found great joy in her lifelong love of hockey. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (CST), at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Road, (One Block North of Lake Cook Road) Buffalo Grove. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lymphoma Research Foundation, www.lymphoma.org, National Breast Cancer Foundation, www.nationalbreastcancer.org, or to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. To view the livestream, please visit www.cjfinfo.com. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals- Buffalo Grove Chapel, 847-229-8822.
GUEST BOOK
We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Sue Ann Spector below and we will share them with the family.
So very sorry to hear about the passing of Susie!! Our very deepest condolences! May her memory be a blessing!
Marla and Jamie Neuman
Marla Neuman
Marla and Jamie Neuman
Marla Neuman
January 15, 2026
Dear Mike, Haley, & Shane,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Sue was an amazing woman, wife, mother, friend, teacher, & of course Coach. She'll be missed by many but she'll always be in our hearts. May her memory be for a blessing.
Warmly,
Patti Peccia-Levy
Patti Levy
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Sue was an amazing woman, wife, mother, friend, teacher, & of course Coach. She'll be missed by many but she'll always be in our hearts. May her memory be for a blessing.
Warmly,
Patti Peccia-Levy
Patti Levy
January 15, 2026
Mike, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sue was a remarkable woman.. ken
Ken Johnson
Ken Johnson
January 15, 2026
Sue was loved by many and deservedly so. Always with a smile on her face and kind word from her lips Wishing her family the comfort of many fond memories of their angel.
Mary Unruh Ballard
Mary Unruh Ballard
January 15, 2026
RIP Coach Susie!
We grew up and went to school together. Wait a sec… maybe we never actually grew up. Silly, funny, happy and beautiful. That’s how she looks in my memories.
Such strength and poise through more tests of strength than anyone should experience in several lifetimes.
So glad to have spent
Time together at the last reunion.
Warmest regards to her family as they navigate through such a sad time.
Scott Grosky
We grew up and went to school together. Wait a sec… maybe we never actually grew up. Silly, funny, happy and beautiful. That’s how she looks in my memories.
Such strength and poise through more tests of strength than anyone should experience in several lifetimes.
So glad to have spent
Time together at the last reunion.
Warmest regards to her family as they navigate through such a sad time.
Scott Grosky
January 15, 2026
Prayers for strength and comfort for Mike, Haley and Shane. Susie will be missed by everyone at AHIHA.
Katie and Steve McGreevy
Katie McGreevy
Katie and Steve McGreevy
Katie McGreevy
January 15, 2026
Remembering the endless hours spent at the Skokie Skatium. There are no words for the legacy Coach Sue has left on our family. Sue’s spot in our Hockey Mom’s Club will live on . Her shining personality and talent will live on in our hearts!!❤️❤️🥅🏒. The Kazarian Family
Shari Kazarian
Shari Kazarian
January 15, 2026
Oh Susie….my heart is breaking! I sure hope Zifffy & RJ were waiting at the gates to heaven & that you are having a wonderful reunion with them.
Mike, Haley & Shayne, I’m sending you all my love. She fought harder than anyone I know & she was so lucky to have you all there for her. She loved you more than life itself. Love you all. ❤️❤️❤️
Kim Zinman
Mike, Haley & Shayne, I’m sending you all my love. She fought harder than anyone I know & she was so lucky to have you all there for her. She loved you more than life itself. Love you all. ❤️❤️❤️
Kim Zinman
January 15, 2026
Mike, Haley and Shane and the rest of the family,
Prayers and hugs are coming your way. Sue and I had a beautiful friendship for almost 50 years and from the beginning of AHIHA. The many laughs, endless amounts of silliness and the guaranteed smiles that she brought to me were endless. We loved sharing stories and bragging about our love of hockey and how our sport and the people of our sport are the very best. We also loved talking about our families and how blessed we were. Unfortunately the last few years it was about our health struggles and the challenges we were facing, but as serious as they were at times we always could cheer each other up with an old story about Stan or Irv, or Kaner or some other hockey player that Sue either thought was handsome or could really skate. I will miss her and those stories and Sue but I am so grateful for that friendship and all of those memories.
Again, prayers and love to all of you!
Tony G
tony g
Prayers and hugs are coming your way. Sue and I had a beautiful friendship for almost 50 years and from the beginning of AHIHA. The many laughs, endless amounts of silliness and the guaranteed smiles that she brought to me were endless. We loved sharing stories and bragging about our love of hockey and how our sport and the people of our sport are the very best. We also loved talking about our families and how blessed we were. Unfortunately the last few years it was about our health struggles and the challenges we were facing, but as serious as they were at times we always could cheer each other up with an old story about Stan or Irv, or Kaner or some other hockey player that Sue either thought was handsome or could really skate. I will miss her and those stories and Sue but I am so grateful for that friendship and all of those memories.
Again, prayers and love to all of you!
Tony G
tony g
January 16, 2026
Such a beautiful soul! So honored to have known you Sue. May her memory be a blessing.
Laura Upin
Laura Upin
January 16, 2026
Sue was a staple, growing up at the rink, she was a strong presence in my life…
Anyone that knew Sue, knew she was devoted to her work with passion and vigor. I know she was cherished dearly and will be greatly missed.
Bless her soul and her family during this time..💜 May her legacy remain timeless……..
Sharon Seiden
Anyone that knew Sue, knew she was devoted to her work with passion and vigor. I know she was cherished dearly and will be greatly missed.
Bless her soul and her family during this time..💜 May her legacy remain timeless……..
Sharon Seiden
January 16, 2026
Dear Amy, Lindsey, and Susie’s Extended Family,
My husband, Mark, and I are so very sorry. We know how much you loved Susie. Sending you our sincere sympathy, heartfelt condolences, and lots of love. May her memory forever be for a blessing.🩷❤️💜
Sharon Schneider Shapiro
My husband, Mark, and I are so very sorry. We know how much you loved Susie. Sending you our sincere sympathy, heartfelt condolences, and lots of love. May her memory forever be for a blessing.🩷❤️💜
Sharon Schneider Shapiro
January 16, 2026
We are so very sorry to hear of Susie's passing. What a remarkable woman, and educator she was. Our deepest condolences to all her family. May her memory be for a blessing.
Josi and Rick Rein
Josi and Rick Rein
January 16, 2026
Fairview and Niles East gymnastics . Many a late night ice skating with Susie at the old Coyle park ice rink 🙏 and her love of all the coyle park boys ❤️ she was all of their big sister and she’d help any of them 🙏
Maura Gawin
Maura Gawin
January 16, 2026
On behalf of the Kormylo Family, I want to express our deepest sympathies. Susie was one of the most positive individuals that we have ever known. We will truly miss her smile, sense of humor and positive outlook. Heaven has gained another amazing hockey coach!
Rodger Kormylo
Rodger Kormylo
January 16, 2026
When we first met Susie, we felt how warmhearted, caring, kind, and funny she was. As the years passed, we witnessed the strength and fight she had within. Our friendship has it's roots in hockey , but it means much more than that. Thank you for sharing yourself with our family.
Mike , Shayne and Haley... our prayers are with you..
Love, Jay and Shelley Cohen
Jay and Shelley Cohen
Mike , Shayne and Haley... our prayers are with you..
Love, Jay and Shelley Cohen
Jay and Shelley Cohen
January 16, 2026
My most heartfelt sincere condolences. When I met sue and all the Varons, they lived across the street from us in Skokie. Wonderful family lost contact over the years. She was a beautiful person always had a smile for everyone. May her memory be a blessing to everyone that knew her and loved her.
Paula Lustig
Paula Lustig
January 16, 2026
My wonderful Mama Susie;
I can’t even begin to describe all the love you’ve given me throughout the years. You were always in my corner no matter if it was with my hockey career or my nursing career. You were such sunshine in the world. Mama Susie you are one of the most amazing angels to have walked the earth, between the way you were taking care of your students to how you took care of all of us at AHIHA. You were one of the first people that me and my mom met at AHIHA, and you were so welcoming and supportive of us. Every year you took care of us and every year you made sure that we knew that you loved us. I will miss the messages of you telling me about wearing your mittens I made you. I will miss you, your smile, your endless love. I love you to the moon and back.
I love you forever and always,
Sunshine ❤️
Libby Majerle
I can’t even begin to describe all the love you’ve given me throughout the years. You were always in my corner no matter if it was with my hockey career or my nursing career. You were such sunshine in the world. Mama Susie you are one of the most amazing angels to have walked the earth, between the way you were taking care of your students to how you took care of all of us at AHIHA. You were one of the first people that me and my mom met at AHIHA, and you were so welcoming and supportive of us. Every year you took care of us and every year you made sure that we knew that you loved us. I will miss the messages of you telling me about wearing your mittens I made you. I will miss you, your smile, your endless love. I love you to the moon and back.
I love you forever and always,
Sunshine ❤️
Libby Majerle
January 16, 2026
Susie had the best personality and great sense of humor.
We would laugh and laugh till we busted. She was always smiling despite her health issues. Susie will be greatly missed by everyone. Especially me. Sending her family big hugs in this difficult time.
Beth Winston
We would laugh and laugh till we busted. She was always smiling despite her health issues. Susie will be greatly missed by everyone. Especially me. Sending her family big hugs in this difficult time.
Beth Winston
January 16, 2026
Susie was such an inspiration. Her “toughness” defined her. I will miss her at the hockey school but will keep her legacy going . Prayers of comfort to all who knew and will miss her presence and smile. With deepest sympathy-
Chris
Christine Finley
Chris
Christine Finley
January 16, 2026
Susie was LOVED and ADORED by everyone who knew her!! All of Buffalo Grove is grieving...
she knew EVERYONE and every kid for sure!!
Our friendship goes back 40 years...
I met her at my shop Hearts Desire where we shared our love of HEARTS!
We raised the kids together... my Sammy was Mickey Mouse and Haley was Minnie Mouse for Halloween when they were babies. The kids went to Gymboree together, I still use the colorful parachute she got us to sit on for parades!
For years we created projects together, jewelry, mosaics and plenty of HEARTS!!
My heart is broken!!
There will never be another Susie...
she always made me laugh and had such a positive attitude. I will LOVE her FOREVER!!❤️😢❤️😢❤️😢
Bonnie Arkin
she knew EVERYONE and every kid for sure!!
Our friendship goes back 40 years...
I met her at my shop Hearts Desire where we shared our love of HEARTS!
We raised the kids together... my Sammy was Mickey Mouse and Haley was Minnie Mouse for Halloween when they were babies. The kids went to Gymboree together, I still use the colorful parachute she got us to sit on for parades!
For years we created projects together, jewelry, mosaics and plenty of HEARTS!!
My heart is broken!!
There will never be another Susie...
she always made me laugh and had such a positive attitude. I will LOVE her FOREVER!!❤️😢❤️😢❤️😢
Bonnie Arkin
January 16, 2026
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss of beloved Susie. I always enjoyed spending time with her at the Cousins Sephardic picnic. She loved her family deeply, was so proud of her heritage and we spent time sharing stories of teaching and swapping recipes. Susie touched so many lives and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sandra Capsuto
Sandra Capsuto
January 17, 2026
I met Susie over 50 years ago! Susie was one of the kindest and strongest people I have ever met. I am so saddened by her passing. Sending her family my deepest condolences in knowing that her memory will always be a blessing to all that knew her.
Len Weinstein
Len Weinstein
January 17, 2026
Sure was such an inspiration to us all. I will miss having my corsage pinned on by her at the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame dinner every year. They asked the best and brightest to greet everyone, and it was such a pleasure to see her and catch up annually. I won't miss Susie's smile, positive energy and infectious laugh. She was truly one in a million and will be sorely missed in the hockey world, and beyond. What a warrior!
Sjoukje Brown
Sjoukje Brown
January 17, 2026
Mike, so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. My condolences.
Debby Meister
Debby Meister
January 17, 2026
I had the privilege of working with Susie for many years at Meridian Middle School. She brought passion, creativity, and joy to everything she did, from teaching PE to building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and colleagues. Susie knew how to get the work done while having fun, always adding her own flair and imagination. She was instrumental in creating memorable events for students, filled our building with color and warmth through her decorations, and generously opened her home to host unforgettable staff parties. She loved her family, the girls she coached in hockey, her students, and her friends. She always called me AL and made the best chocolate chip banana bread! Susie will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
-AL
Allison Rakickas
-AL
Allison Rakickas
January 18, 2026
Susie and I went to school together at Joseph Warren . We became fast friends . I loved her zest for life and always including everyone into her life . We were probably the only two girls in our gym class to climb the ropes to the top . (Don’t quote me on that , there may have been others) .
We had lunch with two other of our good South side friends about a year ago . Susie was still as loving and compassionate as always. She will be greatly missed by all her knew and loved her .
Debbie Schechter Hadesman
We had lunch with two other of our good South side friends about a year ago . Susie was still as loving and compassionate as always. She will be greatly missed by all her knew and loved her .
Debbie Schechter Hadesman
January 18, 2026
Dear Spector family,
My deepest condolences go out to the entire extended family and friends of Susie. I worked with Susie when she was the PE teacher at Kipling school in Deerfield. She was great with the kids and an absolutely wonderful person. She was not only a colleague, but also a true friend to all. May your love and memories of Susie, bring you some peace and comfort. She will be with you always.
Sincerely,
Kim Carson
Kim Carson
My deepest condolences go out to the entire extended family and friends of Susie. I worked with Susie when she was the PE teacher at Kipling school in Deerfield. She was great with the kids and an absolutely wonderful person. She was not only a colleague, but also a true friend to all. May your love and memories of Susie, bring you some peace and comfort. She will be with you always.
Sincerely,
Kim Carson
Kim Carson
January 18, 2026
Sue set an example of love sportsmanship and respect for all those young children who were fortunate to have her as a coach. She will be greatly missed by all. My sincerest condolences to your family Judy Marks
Judy Marks
Judy Marks
January 18, 2026
Our deepest condolences to the family, husband Mike, children Haley and Shane and her extended family. Sue was happy and caring, an amazing person who endured so much. Her impact on our children as her coach and friend will be forever remembered. We have so many wonderful memories of Sue through the years. She will be missed by all.
The Missirlian Family
Jean Missirlian
The Missirlian Family
Jean Missirlian
January 18, 2026
Susie was a daughter, a sister, a cousin, an aunt, a wife, a loyal frien, and a vivid memory of my earliest years of life on the south-side of Chicago; growing up with “the Varon’s”….Shari, Rhonda, Susie, Vicki. and a bit later; Amy. My dad was Albert Varon’s childhood friend and later was his Sales-manager at Crown Metal. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet up with Rhonda, Susie and Amy for a Sheldon-Varon reunion not too long ago. I sat across from Susie at the restaurant. Her eyes were so bright and full of life. We shared our memories of those early childhood years. I extend my deepest condolences to all your families…I believe the Varon legacy will continue for many more years to come.
David Sheldon
Park Forest, Il
David Sheldon
David Sheldon
Park Forest, Il
David Sheldon
January 18, 2026
There are no words to describe how sorry I am to hear about Susie’s passing. We were so lucky to have her in our lives. Heavens gained an angel even if our hearts are not ready to let her go.
Mike, Hailey, Shayne and the rest of the family- my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you all my love and strength
Ania Pollack
Ania Pollack
Mike, Hailey, Shayne and the rest of the family- my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending you all my love and strength
Ania Pollack
Ania Pollack
January 18, 2026
Mike, Haley and Shane,
We are so sorry of hearing the passing of Susie! Thinking of you all and sending heartfelt condolences from your neighbors down the street.
We will always remember her kindness, her smile, and her wonderful sense of humor! May warm memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Steve and Claudia Elster
We are so sorry of hearing the passing of Susie! Thinking of you all and sending heartfelt condolences from your neighbors down the street.
We will always remember her kindness, her smile, and her wonderful sense of humor! May warm memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Steve and Claudia Elster
January 19, 2026
To know Susie was to love her and if you were in her circle it was such a blessing. We will deeply miss her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. Thankful to AHIHA for bringing her into our lives. Much love to Mike and her family.
Love, the DeLanges
Erika DeLange
Love, the DeLanges
Erika DeLange
January 19, 2026
I’m so sad to hear of Sur’s passing ; I have fond memories of our college days and seeing her skate; she was a fighter and a wonderful woman; may all the loving memories help her family during this difficult tim
Caryn Chemers
Caryn Chemers
January 19, 2026
When my family moved to Skokie and a 4 minute walk from rink, the Skatium became my home. With a new home came new people leaving indelible memories and Sue was one of those people. Teaching me to skate, officiate, play hockey, and be a great human were things Sue did and always cared about deeply. She will be missed!
Eran Cohen
eran cohen
Eran Cohen
eran cohen
January 19, 2026
Mike, Haley, and Shane,
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Coach Sue was such a big part of my life and especially my youth. Her love of hockey and of us as kids was inspiring.
She showed us that anybody can do anything with love, focus and hard work. Thinking of you and many many great memories that live with us for eternity. The Wild Family (Jason, Xènia, Jakob, John, Ethan and Noah)
Jason Wild
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Coach Sue was such a big part of my life and especially my youth. Her love of hockey and of us as kids was inspiring.
She showed us that anybody can do anything with love, focus and hard work. Thinking of you and many many great memories that live with us for eternity. The Wild Family (Jason, Xènia, Jakob, John, Ethan and Noah)
Jason Wild
January 19, 2026
To know Cousin Susie was truly to love her. Our hearts are with you, and we’re sending love across the miles to our wonderful family.
Love, your California cousins.
Randy Ventura
Love, your California cousins.
Randy Ventura
January 19, 2026
Mike,
All of us in Illinois Hockey are sorry for your loss . . .Susie was an exceptional person and a wonderful part of the hockey community in Illinois. We will always remember her as the founder of women's hockey here in Illinois . . .quite an accomplishment to see where girls hockey has grown to today. She was instrumental in that achievement.
In lieu of flowers AHAI has made a donation to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Take care,
Jim Smith
AHAI
Jim Smith
All of us in Illinois Hockey are sorry for your loss . . .Susie was an exceptional person and a wonderful part of the hockey community in Illinois. We will always remember her as the founder of women's hockey here in Illinois . . .quite an accomplishment to see where girls hockey has grown to today. She was instrumental in that achievement.
In lieu of flowers AHAI has made a donation to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Take care,
Jim Smith
AHAI
Jim Smith
January 19, 2026
Once a coach, always a coach. Sue was one of those rare forever coaches for so many of us who were fortunate enough to have learned from her. Sue tackled the task of forming the first all-girls' ice hockey team in Illinois with gusto and should be remembered for this significant contribution. Even beyond that, she imparted lasting life-lessons on all of us. She had a knack for bringing people together, for finding ways to laugh and remembering to enjoy each moment. I will forever admire Sue, and hope that Mike, Haley, and Shane can take solace in hearing the positive impact she left on so very many lives.
Sincerely,
Wendy Soutsos & Family
Wendy Soutsos
Sincerely,
Wendy Soutsos & Family
Wendy Soutsos
January 19, 2026
What an inspirational person in the face of adversity. I had the pleasure of working with Susie at Meridian School. We became close friends. Her upbeat temperament in times of challenge were always a calming presence. She always had a story with a smile. Whether talking about her family, students, or hockey, there was unteachable passion in her tone. Sweating the small stuff was not in her DNA. She led life by example and lived it hard.....while impacting so many. I know I will miss her like so many others. Much love my friend.
-Kevin Gow Jr
Kevin Gow Jr
-Kevin Gow Jr
Kevin Gow Jr
January 19, 2026
Sending warm thoughts and prayers to Susie's family..... Susie made a difference in every student and every colleague that was lucky enough to know her; she will always be remembered by her d102 family.
Jen Walsh
Jen Walsh
January 20, 2026
Michael and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. I only have fond memories of her. Our time at Northeastern was a lot of fun and our college trip to Florida is a special memory. When I would run into her many years later it was always a warm special reunion. I know she will truly be missed. May her memory be for a blessing.
Nan Chemers Fine
Nan Fine
I was so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. I only have fond memories of her. Our time at Northeastern was a lot of fun and our college trip to Florida is a special memory. When I would run into her many years later it was always a warm special reunion. I know she will truly be missed. May her memory be for a blessing.
Nan Chemers Fine
Nan Fine
January 23, 2026
Sue was my middle school physical education teacher. She also coached the Aptakisic Junior High cross country team, which I participated in.
She was a bright and kind women and always made me feel special. I consistently looked forward to her gym class and enjoyed speaking to her. She was always eager to listen and had a pure gentle soul.
My heartfelt condolences.
Daniel Brin
She was a bright and kind women and always made me feel special. I consistently looked forward to her gym class and enjoyed speaking to her. She was always eager to listen and had a pure gentle soul.
My heartfelt condolences.
Daniel Brin
February 9, 2026