Suzanne Louise Gelinskey (née Bolyard), 63, passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, in Franksville, Wisconsin.

Suzanne had a deep love for children and animals, always extending her compassion to those around her. She was a devoted mother and wife to her two sons, Gage and Reed, whom she cherished beyond measure, and her husband Ryan, whom she was married to for 20 years. Her kindness and generosity were evident in every aspect of her life, as she would do anything for those she loved.

Born on October 15, 1961, in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of the late Amel and Gertude (Trudi) (nee: McKean) Bolyard, Suzanne spent her childhood in Kenosha, WI and graduated from Tremper High School, before continuing her education at Gateway Technical College, and Carthage College. She then pursued her IT career at Tri-Clover, Snap-on Inc., and SC Johnson, until making a career change.  Suzanne decided to open a small daycare at her home, which she operated for many years, in order to be a stay-at-home mom and still earn an income. Once her sons were older and more independant, she switched over to the school system, and was an Education Assistant at Knapp Elementary School in Racine.

Suzanne was a member of Faithbridge Church and had previously been involved with the United Methodist Women. Her faith was central to her life, and she found great joy in caring for young children as a nursery attendant at Faithbridge Church.  She and her family are also members of Camp Charles Allis where they have many friends and memories.

Beyond her devotion to family and faith, Suzanne enjoyed creative pursuits such as scrapbooking, stamping, and photography. She also had a passion for reading, often immersing herself in books that brought her both knowledge and comfort.  Using her photography skills and love for children, she would quite often take photos for her sons' sports teams.  She also worked on the Gifford School yearbook, for many years, where both Gage and Reed attended. Suzanne also loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs, and was known to always have one or two around the house, Knox being the latest.

She is survived by her husband Ryan; their sons, Gage and Reed;  brother, a Todd (Jill) Bolyard; three sisters-in-law, Michele Tate, Cheri (Sean) McAllister, Elyse Gelinskey, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins, whom she all loved dearly.

Suzanne's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her kindness and love continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Service Details

A Private Memorial Service was held at Faithbridge Church, in Franksville on Friday, April 4 ^th

Memorial Suggestions

Memorials have been suggested to either H.O.P.E. Safe House 1234 Lathrop Ave. Racine, WI 53405, the Wisconsin Humane Society-Racine Campus, 8900-16 ^th St. Mt. Pleasant, WI 53406, or the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 441 E. 92 ^nd St. New York, New York 10128.