Susan Greenshields Obituary

Susan Christine (Tapio) Greenshields, 78 of Gaylord, passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 15, 2025, at August Haus Gaylord.

Born August 10, 1946, in Grayling, Michigan, as the daughter to Irma and Henry Tapio, longtime residents of Gaylord, Michigan. Susan spent her years growing up on a strawberry farm surrounding Perch Lake in Gaylord, Michigan. She graduated from Gaylord High School with high honors in 1964 and immediately went up to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.

In the years following she gave birth to her only child Kelly Borst and moved back to Gaylord, MI. She spent the next 20 years in Gaylord working at various local businesses and spending her days at home as a loving mother and caring housewife.

In 1993 she married the later love of her life, Lynn “Boo” Greenshields, and moved out to his family’s ranch in North Dakota. During her years on the ranch, she learned the beauty and hardships of cowgirling, homestead cooking and the peaceful simplicity of nature and animals. 

Susan and Lynn moved back to Gaylord in 1997 where they enjoyed the remainder of their days together in Susan’s childhood home on Perch Lake surrounded by her daughter, Kelly, granddaughter, Sydney, and other friends and family.

In her younger days, she was an avid golfer, skier, bowler and sport lover. In later years she loved reading, knitting, gardening, and going to the casino. She was a caring mother and grandmother, always acting as a confident, best friend, and loving unconditionally. She will be remembered by her radiant smile and bubbly personality by many.

Susan moved into August Haus for the remaining years of her life where she received frequent visitors and became friendly with the caring staff. During her time at August Haus, she enjoyed crafts, bingo and visiting. 

Susan is survived by her daughter, Kelly Borst of Gaylord; her granddaughter, Sydney (Joey) Lucas, of Indianapolis; her brother, Tom (Joy) Tapio of Chicago; many sisters-in-law from North Dakota; a brother-in-law from North Dakota; her former husband Bill Borst Gaylord; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lynn Greenshields; and her in-laws Rosella and Lemore Greenshields of North Dakota.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 PM Friday, January 24, 2025, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service where the family will visit with friends beginning at 11:00 AM. A live stream of the memorial service will also be available through the Gaylord Community Funeral Home website for those family members and friends unable to travel and want to show support.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the August Haus Assisted Living Home in Gaylord, Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, or any organization of your choosing in her honor. 

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook below.