Suzanne Dahms
October 19, 1942 - May 08, 2024
Obituary
Suzanne Farooq Dahms, age 81, of Verona, WI, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Agrace Hospice. She had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in April. During her time in hospice, Sue met with family, prayed with friends, and shared her positive attitude of life with everyone that she met.
Sue was born on October 19, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Edward and Janet Clifford. Her mother died when Sue was 15.
Sue was one of the remaining survivors of the polio epidemic of the 1950’s. She was stricken with polio at age 16 and hospitalized in an iron lung. A near death experience, when the machine was accidentally unplugged, influenced her beliefs in life after death, and informed her devout Christianity.
Polio had a lasting effect on her body, having to undergo multiple hip and knee surgeries, and having a metal rod placed in her backbone at age 50 to keep her spine straight. As a friend from church said, “Despite all her sufferings, Sue was a joyful person.”
In the early 1960s, Sue met her future husband Dr. Masaud Farooq, with whom she would have 3 children: Michael, Yasmin, and James. The family moved from Minneapolis to Waupun Wisconsin, where they resided from 1971 to 1987, and where Dr. Farooq worked at Waupun Hospital.
Between 1976 and 1982 Sue took psychology classes at UW Fond du Lac and UW Oshkosh, earning a Master's Degree in Counseling in 1982.
Sue's first husband, Dr. Farooq, passed away in 1982. In 1986 Sue met Leonard "Bud" Dahms. They married in 1992, living in Verona until his passing in 2007.
Sue was a University Services Associate at the University of Wisconsin Chemical Engineering and Electrical Engineering departments from 1987 until her retirement in 2009.
In Verona, Sue was actively involved at Saint Christopher Catholic Parish, volunteering, lectoring, and leading rosary. She also was a local servant leader with the Widows of Prayer, and with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.
During her stay in hospice, Sue's friends commented how positive she was in her last days. Sue expressed how important it is that we appreciate each day, and that we live a life in which we help others.
Sue is survived by her children and their spouses: Michael (Bertha De La Torre) Farooq, Yasmin (Roger Waterman) Farooq, James Farooq, Cele (Jerry) Blackburn, Chris (Eddie) Collum, Marie (Richard) Jaggi, and by grandchildren Marisa Farooq, Vanesa Farooq, Lisa Collum, Jessica Blackburn, JayLynn Blackburn, James Christenson, Jason Christenson, Jonathan Christenson and their families.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 N. Main Street, Verona. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., followed by a rosary, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona, and again on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Interment at Saint Andrew Catholic Cemetery.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625
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Memories
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Sweet Moments was sent
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Sweet Moments was sent for Suzanne Dahms - June 02, 2024
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Pamela Hosler
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Cele, Chris, Marie and families. I am so sorry for your loss. I used to see Sue often at the Truck Stop restaurant and would visit with her. She is in a pain free place now. Thinking of all of you. Pam Hosler
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Debra Yates
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I made a late confirmation in my 40'ies at Saint Christopher's in Verona. Bridget Yallaly matched Sue up with me to be my sponsor. I had never met her before then. Initially we weren't connecting with each other, but through time we eventually got a much better understanding of who the other was, and we gained trust and respect for one other. Even after moving a few years later to Northern Illinois, we still kept in touch. I had hope to see her just prior to the pandemic, and then it came, (and it lasted for three years,) and afterwards I was dealing with some stressors on my end, and I just didn't make it to Verona to see her. But I will never forget her. She had an unwavering faith and love for Lord. She was a true 21st Century Disciple of Christ. I know she is in Heaven, she is home with the Lord. I Love You Sue, I learned a lot from you. Even though my religious path took me somewhere else, your example still shines on within me. Debra Yates
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Pat/Ken Anderson
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Sue was a very pleasant, positive lady. Never giving up no matter the pain. I always enjoyed talking with her at the grocery store, senior center, or wherever we met. She will be truly missed. Our deepest sympathy to u all.
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Sandie Mintz
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Suzanne took on the role of of being my Wisco Mom, and I have always been grateful for her doing so. Mike, Yas and Crime, I am keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time and wishing you hope and healing when you're ready.
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Rafael Chavez
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I remember Sue fondly as a coworker in the Department of Chemical Engineering. She had always a smile on her face and was ready to help. My deepest condolences to her family.