One of our clinic family members, Rachel Alpers, lost her mother  Suzanne Piasecki unexpectedly in a house fire on February 16th, 2016.  Rachel is an only child who has experienced loss quite a bit in the past month.  Her grandmother, who had a large part in raising her died in late January of this year.  Less than a month before her mother's sudden death.  Suzanne died at only 56 years old and had not accrued much money for the event of her death.  She had no life or health insurance and very little money in savings.  Rachel, at 30, is now almost solely responsible for her mother's final resting expenses.

As some of us know, losing a parent is a special kind of loss, even when you are prepared to financially absorb such a loss.  The support we have seen as Rachel navigates this new world without her mother and grandmother has been amazing, and as her adopted family, we want to do our part to support her while she grieves.  Your donations will go towards Suzanne's cremation expenses. Rachel is a part of our family.  Our hearts break for her loss.  We are so grateful for every share and donation.

Some of you may know that Rachel is a talented and dedicated Licensed Veterinary Technician.  The house fire also claimed the life of her mother's dog, Clarissa.  As someone who has dedicated her life to helping those four legged family who can not speak for themselves, the loss of Clarissa's life carries an added sting.  If donations can not be made here, we ask that you consider donating to Harbor Humane Society in West Olive, MI in Clarissa's name.


Suzanne Gaye Piasecki age 56 passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at her home in Grand Haven. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Simpson, Theodore and Rachel Blackmer; sister, Janelle Hair. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel J. Alpers; brothers, Macy Simpson, Carl Simpson; several nieces and nephews. As Suzanne had wished cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 4 until 6 P.M. at the Grand Haven Eagles 925, 20 N. 2nd Street, Grand Haven. In Lieu of Flowers the Family suggests memorial contributions in Honor of Suzanne’s dog “Clarissa” who also passed away that day, Harbor Humane Society, 14345 Bagley St., West Olive, MI 49460 or at www.harborhumane.org