Susan Carol Wentzell

Susan Carol Wentzell, 66, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024. Susan was born in Biloxi, MS where she lived most of her life. 

She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1975, where she was a drummer in the marching band. After high school, she spent several years exploring the world and growing her family. In 2004, she completed her Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Upon completion, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor on the MS Gulf Coast, where she was in practice for 20 years. She had the privilege of helping coast kids after Hurricane Katrina with her work through Mercy Corps. She facilitated training for teachers and daycare providers from New Orleans to Mobile with resources to help little ones deal with the traumatic aftermath of the storm. In her private practice, Building New Tomorrows, she loved working with each of her patients and helping them through some of the darkest hours of their lives. Susan had an enormous heart. Besides her children, her patients were the most important people to her. She believed she was so privileged to be allowed to enter people’s lives and help them find joy and peace again. She was a lover of all things Walt Disney, cruising, and road trips to find the newest amazing adventures. Everywhere she went she left a bit of her sunshine. Her smile and joy were contagious! 

Susan and Richard (Ski) met in 1979 and married in 1983. So began their grand adventure of life together. Ski, a service member of the Air Force, was shortly transferred to Washington, DC. In the Virginia/DC area Susan was bitten by the travel bug. During their years up north they explored so many wonderful places. In 1990, they were transferred to Montgomery, AL. After several years they returned back to the MS Gulf Coast. This is when she found her love of psychology. Susan and Ski both loved to travel. Luckily, he learned very early who was the boss. Through their many years together they had the great privilege of visiting so many places and making friendships that would last a lifetime. Susan and Ski built a wonderful family, and her greatest love was her children and grandchildren. They were her entire world. She was blessed with two biological children and two bonus children. They and their spouses/loved ones meant everything to her. Susan was a mother to her core. She loved with her whole heart. Her children were so very blessed to be loved by her and never had any doubts where they stood in her priorities.

 Her four blessings were Melissa (Michael) Wentzell-LoPorto, Ryan Zukowski, Kimberly (James) McNeill, and her late son, Jonathan Scott (Holly) Zukowski. She was blessed with six amazing grandchildren and four great grandchildren; grandchildren include, James McNeill lll, Michelle (Michael) Samarin, Ashleigh (Tyler) Dossett, Gianna LoPorto, Grayson LoPorto, and Savannah Zukowski; and precious great-grandchildren, Meila McNeill, Grayson Samarin, Judah Dossett, Eloise Samarin. 

Susan was preceded in death by her loving parents, Frank and Anna Jo Wentzell; her grandparents, John and Anne Rudolf and Frank and Hilda Wentzell; her son, Jonathan Scott Zukowski; and special bonus daughter-in-law, Faith Dixon. She leaves behind many cherished family members and friends. 

Susan fought a long, difficult battle with cancer and received incredible treatment and support over the past two years through MD Anderson Cancer Center and the amazing non-profits who support their fight in eliminating cancer. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations please be made to the Ballard House of Katy, TX http://www.theballardhouse.org They were instrumental in making her ability to receive treatment over such an extended period of time possible. Without their facilities and unwavering support and commitment it would have never been possible. The family would also like to send special prayers of thanks to St. Joseph’s Hospice, and especially Elaine Carlquist, and the many family members and friends who stood by our side and held us up through these last few weeks. We will be eternally grateful for everything you’ve done.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Nativity BVM Cathedral. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. A Celebration of Life will follow at the home of George and Barbara Ziz at 11325 River Oaks Dr., Biloxi, MS 39532. Interment will be held at a later date at Biloxi National Cemetery. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Susan Carol Wentzell.