Pauline Suzette Housel

Pauline “Suzette” Housel, affectionately known as Suzy, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in Longwood, Florida, at the age of 88. Born on May 26, 1937, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she grew up in the picturesque towns of Groveton, New Hampshire, and Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, where her love for art and music blossomed. 

Suzette’s journey through life was as vibrant as her artwork. After completing her high school education, she embarked on an adventure in the 1950s that took her all the way to Zug, Switzerland, where she worked as a governess. This experience ignited her passion for travel, leading her to explore the beauty of Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, the Canadian Rockies, Argentina, Iceland, and Papua New Guinea. Along with her family, she hiked many trails, sharing countless cherished memories. 

On June 12, 1960, she married her beloved husband, Lester C. Housel, Jr., starting a 65-year journey filled with love and laughter. Together, they welcomed two wonderful children, Alan and Elizabeth, who grew up surrounded by their mother’s warmth and creativity. Suzette’s artistic talents shone through in her drawing, painting, photography, and music, as she played the violin, saxophone, piano, and ukulele. 

A devoted Christian, Suzette’s faith guided her life as she volunteered for mission work with New Tribes Missions, dedicating herself to helping others in Papua New Guinea. Her commitment to her family was unwavering; she adored her grandchildren—Rachelle, Trisha, Lauren, Stephen, Joseph, and Kelly—and was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. 

Suzette is survived by her loving husband, Lester; her children, Alan and Elizabeth; her grandchildren; and her brother, Rich Clemens. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Dorothy Clemens, who instilled in her the values she cherished. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in her honor to New Tribes Missions (ethnos360.org). As she often reminded us, “Living out the truth you have learned is true worship.” 

Suzette Housel will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a tender-hearted wife, loving mother, faithful friend, and an extraordinary artist. May her spirit continue to inspire and guide us all.

Lord, let me live one day at a time,
My choices determined by Your will,
My path illumined by Your light,
My faith grounded in Your truth,
My heart set on eternity.
Amen.