Susan Louise (Wallace) MacLeish

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP -- Susan Louise (Wallace) MacLeish of Portage, Wisconsin, age 74, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at University Hospital after a stroke.

Susan was born in Beloit, Wisconsin on May 10, 1950, to Lester and Betty (Beadle) Wallace. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1968. She went on to major in home economics education at UW-Stout and graduated in 1972. On July 15, 1972, she married Robin MacLeish. They were married for 52 years, and had two children, Brian and Sarah. Susan initially worked as a teacher at Hazel Green High School and later continued working with youth as the long-time 4-H Program Assistant in Columbia County for the UW-Extension. She retired from the latter job in 2015. She also volunteered as the general leader of the New Directions 4-H Club of Portage, in addition to being a 4-H clothing leader.

Susan was a member of the Caledonia Presbyterian Church, for which she served as financial secretary for many decades, in addition to being a Sunday school teacher and elder. Her hobbies included sewing, reading, playing bridge, and gardening. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, taking trips with her family and seeing new places. Susan was an active member of the Columbia County Homemakers.

Susan is survived by her husband Robin MacLeish; her son Brian MacLeish; her daughter Dr. Sarah MacLeish (Sabbas Koumoundouros); her brother Peter (Sue) Wallace; her sister Nancy Wallace (Tim Ramsey); her mother Betty Wallace; her grandchildren Sophia, Loukas, and Photini; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father Lester Wallace.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5th at the Caledonia Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. Jessica Salt officiating.  Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Caledonia Presbyterian Church.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.