Susanna Matulevich

April 2, 1969- September 29, 2025

First of all, I want to acknowledge the donation cost, it is so difficult as this feels like putting a number to my mom’s life. She was worth so much more than any dollar amount. Currently, I have no idea how much the costs will be for cremation, celebration of life, and legal fees. This is so early on, and we are still figuring out so much.

To begin, I’d like to address what happened. My mind has been such a whirl that some details may be off, but will update this as time goes on.

Around 8:30 PM on Monday night, September 29th, my mom was heading east bound on Van Born Road in Wayne, Michigan. From the information available, she was likely on her way home from work. When she reached the Cogswell intersection she was stuck by a vehicle and killed instantly. There is an ongoing investigation, and the police officers are doing everything they can for her. This is unfortunately all the information I have, but again as things progress I will be posting updates.

As many of you know, she was a strong and serious rider. She has ridden through tornado level winds, hail, and thunderstorms. She has ridden across the country, for 12 hours straight, and has slept in tents and hammocks, only to wake up and ride even more. On top of all of that she was a well loved and trusted motorcycle instructor and everyone that got to learn from her is absolutely blessed. All of that to say; this is an absolute tragedy. She wasn’t out messing around or being irresponsible. She was just on her way home, and now she’s gone.

She LOVED her bike, and her entire biking community. I got to see how much she changed once she started riding, it was such a beautiful journey for her. Her bike gave her a renewed sense of purpose, something to look forward to every day. She went on so many trips and met so many people, I’m gonna miss her coming home to tell me stories. She really truly loved you guys. The way she talked about all of you, it was so obvious how much she loved and appreciated every person in her life. I’m so so happy she has so many people that love her.

Not just the biking community but her football family as well. It was such a joy watching her become a mini celebrity. When I would tell people who my mom was, multiple times I’d hear “That’s your mom!?!? I love hot tub Sue!!” She had a light so bright it was just meant to be shared with the world. Also huge thank you to the Lions for that crazy win, she deserved to see that happen. It almost feels like that happened just for her.

She was just an all around fun and loving person. I’m already missing laying out in the sun with her, and going on little adventures. A few months ago we were out on a hike, and this wild woman decided to climb a tree over the river. I was shaking my head from the start, when I heard her car keys fall from her pocket and plop into the river, followed by “Shit!!!” I laughed so hard my ribs hurt. Those keys were our only way home, but there wasn’t any stress or worry. She found them! Everything was fine, as it always was. She was full of shenanigans and she managed to make a laugh out of everything. Her positivity was not a front, it was truly and fully who she was.

And huge THANK YOU to everyone who has reached out. Please go out and spread some positivity in the name of Sue. Buy a stranger's coffee, or help your neighbor. Whatever act of kindness it is, this is what my mom would want. And remember BE HAPPY! Enjoy life, be present, be thankful for every moment and make the most of it.

I love you mom, Kyle and I miss you so much. I know you’re still here with us, even if we can’t see you.

There is a memorial for her at Van Born and Cogswell. She loved sock monkeys and rubber ducks if you'd like to leave something for her. There will also be a memorial ride for her soon, more details on this to come. We are also working on details for her celebration of life. It's gotta be good! I’m thinking a big bonfire with space for lots of people. More details on this as we figure it out.